Keep the kids safe as the temperatures rise.
While we understand the temptation to grab a towel, and hightail it to the beach at every sunny moment, there are certain dangers that come with fun in the sun.
To ensure the safety of you and your family this summer, we have put together a list of the most common summer dangers:
- Sun Safety
The NHS recommends that children and babies have their skin protected between March and October in the UK. The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, so direct your little ones to play in the shade, especially during these hours.
As children’s skin is more sensitive than that of adults, wearing sun cream is essential, even on cloudy or overcast days. Ensure that the sun cream you choose has protection against both UVA and UVB. The minimum factor for sun cream protection is SPF 15, but ideally, you should opt for something higher. Reapplying throughout the day is a must.
Choose light and airy long-sleeved clothes for your child to play outdoors in. Their clothing should cover as much skin as possible, but not be too tight.
Hats are vital to sun safety. Invest in a wide-brimmed hat that protects your child’s face and neck.
Do not expose your child to direct sunlight during their first twelve months. Use a sun shade or screen to protect them from harmful rays.
If you have a pet, it is important to ensure their safety during the summer months. Find out how to protect your animal against “The 9 Most Common Summer Dangers for Pets”.
- Avoiding insect bites
While jumping up and swatting aimlessly may be our instinctive reaction to an encounter with a wasp, bee, or hornet, it is important to try and remain calm. They are usually peaceful creatures, but if they feel in any way threatened they will try to sting.
Here are a few tips on how to avoid being stung or bitten by an insect:
In enclosed spaces, use a glass or a jar to catch the insect and deposit them back into the open air.
If an insect settles on your child’s body, calm them down and ask them not to move. Then you can calmly remove it.
Wear shoes when running outside, particularly in fields with dandelions, daisies, etc.
Avoid strong fragrances that attract insects, for example, perfumed sun creams and shower gels.
Do not leave any leftovers out in the open. Always cover the food around you.
If your child does get bitten or stung, don’t panic. The important thing is to keep your child as calm as possible. Remove the sting (if any) very carefully, preferably with tweezers. Inspect the wound and clean if necessary. Use a wet cloth to cool down the wounded area and provide some relief.
If there is severe swelling or any signs of an allergic reaction, call an ambulance immediately on 999 or 112. Inform the doctor immediately if your child has been stung in the mouth, as there is a risk of suffocation.
- Water safety
First and foremost, children should always be supervised when they are near water, indoors or outdoors. The water is a great source of fun and fascination for children, but it also comes with serious risks to their safety.
Parents and childminders need to keep a constant eye on the little ones and try to explain to them where the dangers lie.
Despite what we see in movies, kicking and screaming are not the normal signs that someone is drowning. In fact, in a lot of cases, adults are nearby but unaware that the drowning is occurring. Here are some signs that you should watch for:
Drowning people move rather little. Their head is usually tilted back and their mouth open. Their eyes may be glassy, unfocused, or closed. Hair may cover their forehead and/or eyes. Their body will likely be vertical in the water and they will not be able to use their legs. The drowning person may be hyperventilating or gasping. Despite attempts to swim in a specific direction, they will not make any progress. Attempting to roll onto their back is another sign of drowning. If it looks like they are trying to climb a ladder that isn’t there, they are likely in trouble.
As toddlers and infants do not have the strength to lift themselves above the water, their mouths and noses will likely be submerged, with their arms and legs moving very little.
Whether you are taking your kids swimming indoors or outdoors, it is vital that you observe all safety and caution signs and follow their warnings. Kids should always walk and not run, to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
Do not let your child swim in unknown waters. Swimming in the sea presents its own set of risks due to waves, currents and surf. Make sure that your child does not swim out too far and, as always, keep your eyes on them.
* While these tips provide a good basis for staying safe during the summer, it is not a definitive list and parents must remain vigilant for any other risks and dangers.