Summer is a time to spend outdoors playing games or swimming in local pools. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that there are 3 million visits to emergency rooms due to injuries related to car accidents, bike crashes, pedestrian incidents, falls and water accidents. Summer dangers increase because children are more active, but you can prevent injuries and accidents by teaching your children summer safety.
Step 1
Teach your children to play safely at the playground. Playgrounds are popular places when the weather is warm and sunny, but play equipment can pose safety hazards. "Parents Magazine" recommends taking several things to the playground with you, including sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit and plenty of water. Teach your children the importance of drinking a lot of water while playing and make sure they wear sunscreen. You can also work with your children to inspect the playground equipment to ensure it is safe to play on. Make sure your children know to check the slide to see if it is too hot and to stay off swings that are broken or loose.
Step 2
Educate your children about safety in a swimming pool or other bodies of water. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages of 1 to 14. Your children must be taught to never get into the water without you or another responsible adult. You should also teach your children how to get into the water appropriately so they do not dive into water that is less than 9 feet deep. If you take your kids to a lake, river or ocean, make sure they understand that they must always wear a life jacket.
Step 3
Show your children how to safely play outside. Playing outside is one of the joys of summer, but there are dangers your children need to know about. Show your children the boundaries of where they are allowed to play when they are outside, recommends the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. You should also teach your children their address and phone number in case they get lost.
Step 4
Teach your children bike safety. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends educating your children about the rules of the road, even if they usually ride with you. Show them how to ride with traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible. They should also know hand signals so vehicles know what they are planning to do. Wearing a helmet is a must as protection against head injury in the event of a fall. Other suggestions from the University of Maryland Medical Center include teaching your children to always look for cars and to never ride in the dark.
Step 5
Tell your children about potential dangers at amusement parks. They should know the rules of rides and games so they remain safe while having fun. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children suggests that you teach your children to go to the information center if they get lost and to never accept help from people who scare them or make them uncomfortable. Teach your children to stay with you on rides and in restrooms, and make sure they know the importance of always letting you know where they are.
Tips and Warnings
- Try not to scare your children; you do not want to take the joys of summer away from them. Present safety information in accordance with age so your children understand the dangers and how to avoid them.
- It may take several attempts to educate your children about summer safety. Do not back down and keep repeating the information until your kids understand.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Water
- First-aid kit
- Life jacket
- Helmet
