Help the Kids in Your Life Stay Safe This Summer

While outdoor fun is one of the best parts of summer for kids, it’s important to stay safe. Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider Dr. Stephanie Lawrence provides some tips for keeping children safe, healthy and happy all summer long.

Why Summer Safety Matters

From backyard barbecues to beach days, summer is prime time for outdoor activity – and also for sunburns, dehydration and unexpected injuries. Children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness, sun damage and water hazards. The good news: most of these risks are preventable with proper planning and a few precautions.

Sun Smarts: Protecting Young Skin

Children’s skin is extra sensitive to UV rays. Even one bad sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Let them play all day with this sun-safety checklist:

• Use SPF 30 or higher: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Cover up: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, hats with brims and sunglasses with UV protection can help block the sun.
• Time it right: Try to avoid direct sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, when UV rays are strongest.
• Check the UV Index: A high index means it’s time for extra protection – or indoor play.

Keep Your Cool: Heat Protection Tips

Children overheat more easily than adults, and heat exhaustion can escalate quickly. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Excessive sweating or no sweating at all
• Nausea or headache
• Rapid pulse

Tips to stay cool:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Kids should drink water frequently, even if they’re not thirsty.
• Dress for the weather: Loose, light-colored clothing is best.
• Take breaks: Alternate between active play and cool-down time in the shade or indoors.
• Never leave kids in cars: Even a few minutes in a hot vehicle can be dangerous.

Safe Swimmers: Water Safety for Every Age

Whether it’s the pool, lake or ocean, water safety starts with supervision and proper gear. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4, and many incidents are silent and quick.

Practice these important water safety basics:

• Supervise children at all times: Even strong swimmers need adult supervision.
• Swimming lessons matter: Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming classes. Many communities offer water safety and free or low-cost lessons for kids.
• Use life jackets: Coast Guard-approved life vests are essential for boating or open water play – water wings or floaties are not safe substitutes.
• Make it bright: Neon colors like fluorescent orange, pink, lime green or yellow are best for kids’ swimwear because they’re the easiest to see underwater. Dark or muted colors can disappear quickly, especially in natural bodies of water.

Play It Safe: Sports & Outdoor Activity

From soccer to scooters, summer play is great for fitness, but injuries can happen fast. A few precautions can help prevent injuries that sideline summer fun:

• Wear the right gear: Helmets, pads and proper footwear go a long way.
• Warm up: A few minutes of stretching or light movement helps prevent strains.
• Watch the weather: Postpone intense activity during peak heat or poor air quality days.
• Inspect play areas: Check for sharp objects, loose equipment or unsafe surfaces.

Common Summer Illnesses & How to Avoid Them

More time outside can mean more exposure to bugs, germs and allergens. Stay alert for:

• Heat rash: Keep skin dry and wear breathable clothes.
• Insect bites: Use child-safe repellents and check for ticks after outdoor play.
• Food poisoning: Keep perishable foods cold and clean hands before meals.
• Pink eye and swimmer’s ear: Encourage kids to avoid sharing towels and to dry ears after swimming.

Lo esencial

Summertime is fun time, and with just a little planning, it can also be safe. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the backyard or the ballfield, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Keep sunscreen handy, choose bright-colored swimwear, encourage regular hydration breaks, and always keep a close eye on children in or near the water.Don’t forget the basics like bug spray, helmets and a well-stocked first-aid kit. Most importantly, talk with your kids about how to stay safe while still enjoying all their summer adventures.

Wishing you a healthy summer,​Stephanie Lawrence, MD​