Whether you're a seasoned beach-going family or planning your first playtime in the pool with little ones, these safety tips for kids will help you enjoy the summer sun and water with confidence.
Stay Smart in the Sun
1. Bring along some shade
Keep kids safe from UV rays by bringing your own shade to poolside activities or beach days. Most summer safety tips for kids revolve around blocking out the sun some way because it is so strong during the summer months and during midday when children are most likely to be out playing. You can create some carry-along shade with an umbrella or a pop-up tent.
2. Set timers for sunscreen
We probably don’t have to remind you to pack sunscreen, but you may forget to reapply as needed. So after choosing a sunscreen that is extra safe for kids as SPF 30 or above, be sure to apply it 30 minutes before going in the sun and every 2 hours after that. How can you remember? Set timers on your phone for every 2 hours after the first application. This way, the lasting part of your day can be memories, not sunburn.
3. Wear more than sunscreen for protection
When considering summer safety for kids, sunscreen immediately comes to mind, but we can keep kids safe from the sun with clothing and accessories too. You can protect kids eyes with sunglasses, their heads and necks with wide-brimmed hats, and their skin with long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible.
4. Hydrate by age
Drinking water in the summer is also an important part of kids safety. Hydrated kids are safe kids, especially in the heat. While children might want sugary and caffeinated beverages, remember these drinks dehydrate. Instead, kids should be drinking their age in cups of water, up to age 8. So a 7-year-old should drink 7, 8 oz. cups of water per day. To mix up the flavor, try tossing in fresh fruit or natural flavoring.
5. Refuel with smart foods
We all know the sun can be draining, so keep energy levels up with protein-packed snacks to refuel. Think hummus, trail mix with nuts, oat bars, and hard-boiled eggs. Also, be sure to have one or two salty snacks to replenish lost salt such as pretzels or crackers. Other healthy and energizing treats perfect for summer adventures are frozen grapes, muffin balls, and easy-to-hold vegetables like string beans or celery sticks.
Watch Out In Water
1. Supervise young swimmers
The most important rule by the water is to not let kids swim alone. If you can go where there are lifguards, this is ideal for kids safety. However, even where there are lifeguards, it is still important to remain close by children who are in or near water. If you are not around lifeguards, you must supervise vigilantly. It’s a great idea to encourage swimming buddies if possible to make the swimming experience even more safe for kids.
2. Support safe swimming
Layer up water safety for kids by adding devices like arm floats, swim vests, or life jackets to their water time. This, on top of supervising, helps ensure children are the safest they can be while in the water. Of course, such gear may not be required for more advanced swimmers. In that case, make sure kids know their limits when swimming such as staying out of the deep end of the pool or not going beyond a certain distance.
3. Teach caution
Remind kids that while swimming is a fun activity in the summer, there are several precautions to take around water. Review written rules on signs and personal rules you have set before letting children swim to raise self-aware and safe kids.
4. Review how to help in an emergency
While reviewing rules and safety precautions with kids, also go over safety procedures if they notice a problem. Most importantly, ensure children know it is not their job to go into the water to help. The best course of action is to inform a trained lifeguard or adult about a potential dangerous situation. The Red Cross has a saying, “Reach or throw, don’t go!” that reminds kids to help by offering support without going into the water when danger is present.
5. Keep the water clean for everyone
Beyond regular water safety for kids, the CDC reminds parents that letting the water we swim in get dirty can also pose a risk. To prevent contamination, always provide bathroom breaks for kids and check diapers every hour.
Find more cool kits here!
