While many of us are still at home self-isolating, depending on where you live and your personal risk factors your family might be able to enjoy some standard summer fun this year. Unfortunately, if we do get to enjoy our time as a family outside of the homes, it's not only the risks from COVID-19 of which we need to be aware. There are many other summer safety issues to consider depending on the situation you all find yourselves in. Luckily, you can find all about them in my post below.
AT THE BEACH
First aid
The beach can be a lot of fun. However, as a parent of young children, there is also a vast range of other safety concerns to consider. The first is the risk of accident or injury, whether it be a cut foot or a grazed knee.
Contrary to popular belief telling the little ones to 'dunk their injury' in the ocean isn't always the best idea. After all, you don't know how good the water quality is.
Instead, be sure to have a basic first aid kit to hand with things like antiseptic wipes and plasters. Additionally, knowing here about the closest first aid station on the beach is also a smart idea, in case of a more severe injury.
Sunburn and UV Rays
Kids often get so engrossed in playing in the sand that they do not notice that they are getting sunburned. Therefore, as a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor their time in the sun and protect them from harmful UV rays linked with cancer.
The most obvious way of doing this is to make sure they regularly apply good quality sunscreen. However, with so many on the market, choosing a sunscreen for your kid can be confusing. The good news is that you can find out all about this topic by checking out this article on the fda, ewg, and sunscreen safety online. Then you can be informed on the best products for the safest family beach experience.
Additionally, added layers of protection such as long-sleeved tops, swimwear, and hats with neck covers are a good idea. Notably, as the back of the neck is often most vulnerable to getting burned.
Water, water everywhere! But not a drop to drink!
Your time at the beach can often feel like the quote above, especially if the only refreshments are overpriced! However, every child must have enough to drink.
That is why you must take your own with you. Then you can be sure that everybody has enough water to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Something that should help to guard against heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke.
Alcohol
While we are on the subject of drinks, be sure that you take enough to keep the whole family hydrated, not just the kids. Where possible, adults should avoid alcohol for two critical reasons. The first is that it will leave them more alert to keep an eye on the kids, which can be very useful on a busy beach.
While the second is that alcohol tends only to quicken dehydration and can so pose a real risk when the sun is shining, and the weather is hot.
Use the Buddy System
Finally, for the kids' safety, always make sure that they have a buddy. That is, they don't get to go anywhere alone. The buddy system can also be useful for two important reasons.
The first is that it can be effortless to lose track of a single child on a packed beach. An experience so full of terror, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. While the second is that open water of any type will always pose at least some risk. Therefore by making sure no one swims alone, you maximize the chance of the alarm being raised, or the worst does happen, and somebody does get into trouble.
THEME PARKS
Another fantastic option for a summer day is to take the family to a theme park. There is usually a great deal of fun to be had in such places, with food stalls, merry go round, and adrenaline-fueled roller coasters. Of course, good parks will have safety measures in place, although safety also needs to be a prime concern for parents.
Make preparations for lost children
One of the most important of these is mark preparation in case any member of the party gets lost. Especially the kids. After all, getting lost in a theme park can be very overwhelming for a little one. Not to mention the horror that any parent would feel if they turned around only to find their child was no longer with the group.
With that in mind, many parents like to have an agreed protocol that they discuss with kids beforehand. Such a system may include heading to a specific place in the park or seeking a particular person such as a park representative if a child finds themselves lost. Some parents seven like to use electronic trackers in wristbands or kids to provide that extra layer of safety and security.
Rides Rules
Next, if you want to keep the whole family safe, you must explain the rule of riding each attraction that you experience. Such rules may include something as simple as keeping hands inside the cart, or removing their shoes when asked. The latter being a request that it often issued on rides such as hanging roller coasters. It's also vital that you all pay attention to the height and weight limits too, and if kids are too small to ride, that at least one adult stays behind to take care of them.
Don’t pressure your kids.
When it comes to theme parks, be sure that you aren't making your kids ride attractions that they would rather not. Theme park tickets can be expensive, and you will want to get the best value for money from your trip. However, making them go on a ride they do not want to can do more harm than good. The kids may even end up associating theme parks with fear instead of fun, and could also get sick!
CAMPING
Whether it's in a national park or your backyard, it's essential that camping is safe for the whole family. There are several safety issues, you and the kids need to be aware of in this situation.
Fire
The first of these is fire, cooking stoves, and BBQs. In particular, check the surroundings for other campers' fires. Also, be sure to set up any cooking equipment away from the main camp so that no one will run into the stove or BBQ by accident.
Water
It is always best to make sure you have enough clean water for your whole family for the duration of your stay. While natural rivers and streams may seem fresh, you never know what harmful bacteria they could contain. Additionally, even fetching water from such sources can be a tricky task. Therefore to minimize any safety hazards, be sure to treat all bodies of water with due respect.
Allergies
The great outdoors is a wonderfully freeing place for most people. However, for some, it can also be a minefield of trigger allergies and insect bites. That is why it's essential to take proper precautions such as antihistamines.
Be careful to watch for any extreme allergic reaction to bites, stings, and allergies as well. All of which may require medical help from the hospital.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is crucial to be aware of the safety risk involved on summer outings. Remember always to consider these ahead of time. You must also always talk to your children about what they should do if the worst does happen. After all, it's always better to plan for the worst and expect the best when it comes to safety.
Comments