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With summer break in full swing, Pinecrest officials are urging parents to prepare for both extreme heat and general safety with these 10 essential summer safety measures.
“The safety of our children must be our highest priority, especially during the summer months when both drowning incidents and heat-related illnesses increase dramatically,” says Pinecrest Police Chief Jason Cohen. “By implementing these safety precautions, parents can ensure their children enjoy a fun and safe summer vacation.”
Water Safety: A Life-Saving Priority
Water safety remains critical in Florida, where drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under five.
1. Establish a Swim Supervision System: Designate a responsible adult as the dedicated “water watcher” whenever children are swimming or near water. This person should avoid distractions like phones, reading, or conversations.
2. Enroll in Certified Swimming Lessons: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children as young as age one.
3. Secure Home Pools Properly: Install self-latching gates, door alarms, and pool covers. Consider additional layers of protection like pool alarms that detect water movement.
Heat Safety: Protecting Against Rising Temperatures
Miami-Dade County established the world’s first Chief Heat Officer position in 2021, recognizing the serious health risks associated with extreme heat, especially for children whose bodies warm up three to five times faster than adults.
4. Schedule Outdoor Activities Strategically: Plan outdoor play before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid peak heat hours.
5. Maintain Proper Hydration: Ensure children drink water every 15-20 minutes during outdoor activities, even when not thirsty. Sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes during prolonged activity.
6. Create Cooling Stations: Establish shaded areas for rest breaks and keep cooling supplies like spray bottles, damp towels, and portable fans accessible.
General Summer Safety
7. Establish a Neighborhood Safety Network: Create a list of trusted homes children can visit if they need help while playing outside or walking in the neighborhood.
8. Teach Basic First Aid: Show children how to handle minor injuries common during summer play, such as cleaning scrapes, applying bandages, and recognizing when to seek adult help.
9. Enforce Bicycle Safety Rules: Require helmet use for all wheeled activities and establish clear rules about where children can ride and when they must return home.
10. Prepare a Summer Safety Kit: Stock a kit with water bottles, sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), first aid supplies, emergency contact information, and a severe weather plan for Florida’s hurricane season.
“Our Village is committed to community safety year-round, but summer requires extra vigilance,” adds Chief Cohen. “By combining traditional safety measures with modern heat precautions, we can ensure our children remain safe while enjoying their vacation months.”
The Village of Pinecrest has seen record-low crime rates in recent years under Chief Cohen’s leadership, with a focus on community-oriented policing and safety education. Parents are encouraged to download the SaferWatch app, which allows residents to communicate directly with the Pinecrest Police Department about safety concerns.
For additional summer safety tips, visit the Village website at www.pinecrest-fl.gov/police.
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