It seems once warmer weather sets in, kids want to be
outside as much as possible. Riding bikes and scooters
and playing at the park are all summer highlights. It’s
important to remember the proper safety gear and sun
protection when your kids head outside this summer.
Here are some tips for parents, grandparents or baby-
sitters to make sure kids stay safe while playing outside:
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Make sure your child has the right size helmet and
wears it while riding, skating or scooting. When it’s
time to purchase a new helmet, let your child pick;
he or she will be more likely to wear it.
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A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level
position, and should not rock forward, backward or
side to side.
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It’s important for parents to model proper behavior.
Wear a helmet, even if you didn’t when you were a kid.
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Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers to
make sure drivers are paying attention and are going
to stop before they cross the street.
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Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with
traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as pos-
sible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic
signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
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Stop and look left, right and left again before enter-
ing a street or crossing an intersection.
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Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing
surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea
gravel, wood chips or mulch. If your child falls, the
landing will be more cushioned than on harder surfaces.
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Remember that playground equipment may cause
burns when exposed to direct sunlight for an extended
period of time.
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Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklac-
es, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can
get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation haz-
ard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground.
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Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding
while on the playground can be dangerous.
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Use a sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA
and UVB rays. Be sure to reapply often, especially when
sweating or going in the water. Remember to keep young
children hydrated by encouraging frequent water breaks.
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Cover up. Protect yourself and your child by wearing
hats, sunglasses and materials that are UVA and UVB
resistant.
Kroc Center offer CPR training.
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Teach children they need to be aware of uneven lake
and river beds, river currents and changing weather.
Swimming outdoors is not the same as swimming in
a pool.
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As summer temperatures hit, children are much more
prone to dehydration than adults. Encourage children
to take frequent water breaks, and remember that
dehydration can quickly become an issue for a young
child who is intently playing in and around water.
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Teach children to stay away from water unless ac-
companied by an adult.
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Enroll your child in swim lessons. They may save his
or her life.
Sun Safe
“Parents and children need to be aware
that a helmet is designed to absorb
impact forces in the event of a crash,
which can reduce the risk of severe head
injury,” said Donna Kalanick, Kootenai
Health injury prevention coordinator.
“Why wouldn’t you wear a helmet?”
KH . ORG
7
SAFETY
