Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor fun with outdoor activities and downtime we don’t get to experience during other times of the year. At the same time, those very features of summer that make it so wonderful, so have some unique safety issues that are important to consider or very quickly a long awaited long weekend could turn into a trip to the emergency room instead.
With the 4th of July approaching and many families opening up summer homes, let me cover two of the hot topics at the moment first: fireworks safety and open water safety. I'll cover some other summer safety tips in a follow-up post soon.
Fireworks Safety
People seem to have a love/hate relationship with fireworks. Many people love them, while some don't. Despite the warnings from professionals about the extra precautions they need to follow to pull off professional shows, too many people attempt to set off fireworks from their backyards or beaches causes all sorts of injuries to themselves or the people around them.
I have seen more than my share of fireworks injuries over the years! There was the teenager who did a number on his leg after some bottle rockets he had in his pocket exploded as he walked by a campfire. My own toddler nephew suffered a nasty burn to his finger by a sparkler because a relative gave him one to hold not realizing those things burn down – and he was too young to let go! And, I witnessed adults setting off fireworks on a beach in Connecticut a few weeks back where kids were sitting around campfires only feet away. I didn’t stick around long enough to see the result – we scrambled to get our own kids to safety!
Your best course of action is to keep the fireworks to the pros and watch from afar! The American Academy of Pediatrics has these tips for you to keep everyone in your family safe from fireworks harm:
"• Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.
• Fireworks that are often thought to be safe, (i.e. sparklers) can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can burn users and bystanders.
• Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
• The AAP recommends prohibiting public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or the Internet."
More fireworks safety information can be found here.
BOATING and OPEN WATER SWIMMING SAFETY
How many of you will be on the water this weekend? Very common time of year to explore the ocean and lakes in your area either by boat or by swimming. Any water activity carries an element of risk event for the most experienced of boaters and swimmers. The American Academy of Pediatrics has these tips to keep your family safe with your water activities:
"• Children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.
• Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted.
• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers.
• Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection, and to set a good example.
• Adolescents and adults should be warned of the dangers of boating when under the influence of alcohol, drugs and even some prescription medications."
Open Water Swimming
"• Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!
• A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near the water. Younger children should be closely supervised while in or near the water - use "touch supervision," keeping no more than an arm's length away.
• Make sure your child knows never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.
• Never let your child swim in canals or any fast moving water.
• Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty."
The Bottom Line
While summer affords us all a wonderful opportunity to relax and participate in recreational activities unavailable to us at other times of the year, we have to remember that relaxation and fun is not an excuse to throw caution to the wind and forget basic safety. In fact, following safety rules will make your adventure more fun because no one will need a first aid kit or emergency room by the end of the day – just a shower!
