Keeping Kids Safe: Expert Advice for a Carefree Summer

As the warm weather beckons, parents eagerly anticipate the joys of summer – children frolicking in pools, parks, and playgrounds. However, with the increased outdoor activities come heightened risks of accidents and injuries. To ensure a carefree and safe summer, we've consulted emergency room doctors to uncover the activities they would never let their own kids participate in, along with invaluable tips to help families avoid hospital visits.

Unlock the Secrets to a Worry-Free Summer Adventure

Prioritize Water Safety: The Lifesaving Precautions Every Parent Must Take

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, and even non-fatal incidents can result in serious health consequences, such as brain damage or permanent disability. Dr. Nkeiru Orajiaka, an emergency medicine pediatrician in Columbus, Ohio, emphasizes the importance of constant supervision when kids are near any body of water. "I'll never let my kids go to pools or any body of water alone," she states. "Drowning can happen within seconds, and kids should never swim alone, because they can drown. There should always be a designated water watcher whenever kids are around any body of water. Home pools should always have fences."To enhance water safety, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends that non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets "when other layers of protection are limited" – such as in crowded locations or when supervision may lapse. For children under 5, life jackets are a must, unless they are within arm's reach of an adult at all times. Additionally, it's a good idea to rotate water watchers every 15 minutes to maintain vigilance.Wave pools, popular at water parks, pose a unique risk. "There's a lot of movement with the waves, and it is easy for a child to get lost and drown in it," Orajiaka explains. "Movements in these pools may be missed as a child having fun and not able to easily detect one who is in danger. No child should go into the wave pool alone, regardless of how old. And kids should not play in a wave pool when there is no lifeguard."

Helmet Up: The Crucial Role of Bike Safety Gear

Bicycle-related injuries are alarmingly common, with an estimated 2.2 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 treated in U.S. emergency departments for such incidents between 2006 and 2015. Former emergency medicine physician Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, emphasizes that head injuries account for approximately 60% of fatalities associated with bicycle crashes in children."Research has shown that helmets reduce the risk of head, brain and facial injuries, including those involving motor vehicles, for bicyclists of all ages," Singh states. If all bikers wore helmets, it is believed that approximately 60% of all serious head injuries among unhelmeted cyclists would be prevented.Proper helmet fit is crucial for effective protection. The helmet should fit snugly all around, with the bottom of the pad inside the front of the helmet one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. The back of the helmet should not touch the top of the neck, and the chin strap should be tight enough to allow no more than a finger-width or two of space between the chin and the strap. "Once the chin strap is fastened, the helmet should not move in any direction, back-to-front or side-to-side," the CDC advises.

Mowing Mishaps: Safeguarding Children from Lawn Mower Dangers

Lawn mowers pose a significant threat to children, with 10,000 kids injured by them each year. In fact, mower-related injuries are the most common cause of major limb loss in American children under the age of 10, according to the University of Iowa's Injury Prevention Research Center.Children should never ride on a lawn mower, even with an adult, nor should they play outside while an adult is operating a mower. A recent study from the university found that the most serious mower-related injuries in kids happened when children were bystanders in close proximity to the machinery, such as when the driver was reversing the lawn mower and didn't know the child was behind it.Additionally, the blades of a lawn mower can propel rocks, sticks, and other debris into the air, potentially causing eye or other facial injuries, Orajiaka notes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children can use a walk-behind mower starting at age 12 and operate a ride-on mower at age 16 "if they show good judgment, maturity, strength and coordination." Younger kids should avoid them altogether.

Beating the Heat: Protecting Kids from Dangerous Temperatures

As global temperatures continue to soar, the risks of heat-related illnesses become increasingly pressing. Children, especially young ones, are particularly vulnerable due to their developing physiological systems, lower blood volume reserves, and diminished sweat capacity."Heatstroke is the most deadly heat-related illness," explains Singh. "The body can no longer regulate itself and its temperature rises within minutes, resulting in permanent disability or death without emergency treatment."To keep families safe in high heat, Singh recommends checking the weather and avoiding outdoor activities during temperature extremes, going outdoors in the coolness of morning or dusk, staying hydrated, practicing sun safety (e.g., wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing), and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.

Avoiding the Thrill: Why ATVs Are Off-Limits for Young Riders

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) may seem like an exciting summer activity, but they pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of young people, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "ATVs appear very fun and are very sought-after during the summer, but riding involves high skill and fast thinking, which most kids do not have," Orajiaka cautions.The AAP states that children under 16 should not use ATVs, as the risk of injuries from being thrown off, crashing, or rolling over is high. Potential injuries include fractures to the hips, arms, or legs, as well as significant head injuries, such as skull fractures, concussions, or brain bleeds, especially when the rider is not wearing a helmet."My kids will avoid ATVs," Orajiaka says. "And when they are older, I will highly recommend they wear a helmet."By heeding the expert advice and implementing these safety measures, families can enjoy a carefree and worry-free summer, filled with outdoor adventures and cherished memories. Remember, a little precaution can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe and healthy throughout the sunny season.