Dust off your grill and grab your swimsuits, because summer is officially here! Whether you are heading to your favorite Chandler pool, the playground or nearby park, it’s always a good idea to put safety first. Learn how to avoid seasonal risks; here are four important tips to help ensure a safe and spectacular summer.
Block The Sun, Not The Fun
If your kid’s summer days go something like this – jump in pool, run around the park, repeat – then you’ll need to slather on the sunscreen. Apply a sunscreen offering UVA and UVB protection of at least SPF 15 to all exposed areas of skin 30 minutes before your child head outdoors – whether sunny or cloudy out. Be sure to reapply every two hours and after swimming, even if the product says waterproof. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when rays are strongest. Sunscreen shouldn’t be your only form of sun protection. Protect those peepers with sunglasses, wear a hat and dress in light-weight, light-colored clothing.
Drink Up
Children don't always recognize signs of thirst or take the time to get a drink of water, which puts them at greater risk for dehydration—especially in hot and humid summer conditions. The best way to keep your child hydrated is to get them used to drinking liquids regularly. Offer healthy beverages at every meal and with snacks. Schedule frequent beverage breaks during activity, about every 20 minutes. If possible, take all hydration breaks in a shady spot.
Nothing works up a child’s appetite quite like playing outdoors. Healthy snacks with high-water content not only satisfy hunger, but also give kids an edge on hydration. Fruits that do double duty include: watermelon, strawberries, and cantaloupe. In addition to water, and fruit, popsicles are great sources of hydration; and their juicy flavors make them more appealing to kids.
#BH2OAware
While pool-filled days are fun for the whole family, they also come with safety risks. Know your weaknesses and how to combat them with the ABC’s of Water Safety.
Adult Supervision
Water safety begins with you. Be within arm’s reach and ensure there is a designated water watcher at all times when your family is in, on or around water.
Barriers
Children are fascinated by and attracted to water. Maintain ‘layers of protection’ by creating pool barriers such as a pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Classes
Everyone should know how to swim! CPR and first aid classes for adults, and swimming lessons and water safety classes for kids will ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Act Your Age
Playground bound? Remember to act your age. Not all playground equipment is made for all kids. Children 5 to 12 have the arm strength and muscle coordination to play on horizontal bars, climbing equipment, swings, seesaws, and tall slides. Kids 2 to 5 are weaker and have a higher center of gravity than older children, so look for equipment with small steps and short railings. Safe choices include crawl tunnels, tot swings, flexible spring rockers, and slides that are no taller than 4 feet.