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Greetings West Park neighbors, family and friends! As we enter into another summer season, my prayer is that our children will have a fun, yet safe time while participating in outdoor recreational activities. Summer safety for kids involves several key areas: sun protection, hydration, water safety, and injury prevention. It’s crucial to protect children from the sun’s harmful rays, ensure they stay hydrated, supervise them around water, and prevent injuries from activities like biking and playing on trampolines. To help ensure that our children have the safest and most enjoyable summer possible, please see the recommended precautions below:
SUN SAFETY:
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher liberally and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Protective Clothing: Dress children in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing, including hats with brims to shade their faces.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm)
HYDRATION:
- Water Breaks: Encourage children to drink water frequently, especially when playing outdoors.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks can dehydrate, so stick to water as the primary source of hydration.
WATER SAFETY:
- Constant Supervision: Never leave children unattended near any body of water, including bathtubs.
- Designated Swimming Areas: If swimming, choose areas with lifeguards or designated swimming zones.
- Empty Buckets and Pails: Completely empty all buckets, pails, and containers after use to prevent drowning hazards.
INJURY PREVENTION:
- Helmets: Require helmets for activities like biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading.
- Safe Play Areas: Ensure play areas are free of hazards like sharp objects, electrical outlets, and furniture that can be used to climb.
- Trampoline Safety: Avoid trampolines or supervise children closely if they are using them, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Bug Bites: Use insect repellent and check for ticks after being outdoors.
- Fire Safety: Keep matches, lighters, and other fire hazards out of reach.
- Teach Emergency Contacts: Ensure children know important phone numbers, including emergency contacts and 911.
- Stranger Safety: Teach children about stranger danger and how to respond if approached by someone they don’t know.
Again, we wish everyone a wonderful summer break, and hope each of you take the time to relax, vacation, enjoy the much needed time off and/or spend time with family and friends. Above all, have fun and stay safe!
