Now that summer is here, your kids are going to be busy outside. If they're active, the chances are good that they may injure themselves at least once this summer. Typical childhood injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and bruises, can be handled quite easily with a first-aid kit – which you should have handy at all times during the summer. However, your kids will also be at risk for more serious medical problems, especially if you don't take the proper precautions. Here are some steps you should take to keep your kids safe this summer.

Take Care Around Pools and Lakes

If your kids are going to be spending time in, and around, water this summer, there are some precautions you'll need to take to prevent drownings. The first thing you should do is learn CPR. This will ensure that you're ready to take action should an accident occur. In addition to learning CPR, here are some safeguards you should take for water safety this summer.

Pools

Kids are attracted to the water, especially pools. To help keep kids safe around the water, remove pool toys when you're done using the pool. First, this will allow you have a clear view of the pool. Second, it will remove the temptation for little ones who are attracted to the toys. If you have an above-ground pool, be sure to remove the ladder after each use. This will prevent your kids from climbing in when you're not around.

Lakes

If you're going to be heading to the lake this summer, make sure your kids always have a life-jacket when going out in a boat. It's also a good idea to enforce the buddy system. This will ensure that your child is never near the lake alone.

Keep the Drinking Water Handy

Kids don't always head inside when they're thirsty, that's why it's important for you to keep water handy during the hot summer months. One way to make sure that your kids have plenty of water to drink is to fill an ice chest with ice and bottled water. Keep the ice chest outside so your kids can just grab the water as they need it. The ice chest will provide easy access to the water that your kids will need to stay properly hydrated while they're playing outside. It's also important for you to know the signs of heat sickness, especially if your kids are going to be spending a lot of time outside this summer. If your kids develop cramps, headaches, or nausea after spending time outside, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Now that summer is here, take the necessary precautions to keep your kids safe. For other tips on how to provide safe, summer fun for your kids, talk to a family primary care physician.

Share