Health

Keeping Kids Safe through the Summer Months

School’s out and schedules and routines change. Children are looking forward to the more relaxed time of year – with daylong activities of swimming, biking to friends’ houses and playground activities. For a large majority of children, not having the school-structured day brings with it unsupervised time. Older children become care providers for their siblings or serve as the neighborhood babysitter. Fun activities are pursued, each with its own risks. By knowing the facts and applying safety measures, you and your child can look forward to an enjoyable and safe vacation season.

According to the Foundation for Aquatic Injury Prevention, drowning occurs quickly, many times within seconds, and often arises during a brief time when a child is left unsupervised. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death from injury in children age 14 and under. A swimming pool is 14 times more likely to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under, than might occur in a motor vehicle accident.

Never leave a child alone in a pool. Noteworthy is the fact that a child can drown in an inch of water. If the doorbell or phone rings, take the child with you. Be aware of the preoccupation with conversations at social pool gatherings. Appoint a "watcher" and take turns with the responsibility. Encourage learn to swim classes, but also be aware that children, parents, and babysitters often become overly confident. Instill the constant supervision rule with all who take responsibility for your child.

Do not allow diving in shallow water, regardless of your child’s height. Shallow water is defined as 5 feet or less. Dives should never be attempted in shallow water. Very few people understand that when a swimmer hits the bottom of the pool, a neck fracture may occur, which can lead to spinal cord injury and paralysis. Feet first is the #1 diving injury prevention rule.

Promoting bike safety is paramount during the summer months. May through July have the highest associated deaths from bicycle accidents, and most occur from 6 – 9 p.m. Children aged 5 – 14 have more emergency room injuries from biking than any other sport. Additional statistics from the Brain Injury Association reveal that 90% of bicycle-related deaths are associated with motor vehicle accidents and that most incidents are within five blocks from home. Nearly half of bike accidents occur in the person’s own driveway or sidewalk. A child who does not wear a helmet when bicycling and is hospitalized with a head injury is 20 times more likely to die than those who did choose to wear helmet.

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