Summer is finally here. Time to let your hair down and your kids run wild. Right? Well, sort of.
Even though you and your kids are probably in need of a little fun in the sun, you should be mindful of a few often-overlooked dangers of summer.
In fact, Dr. John LaCount, a pediatrician with St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Florence office, wants parents to be wary of five “hidden” dangers in particular:
1. Trampolines
Many trampolines are branded these days as safe, often touted as enclosed, spring- and steel frame-free, but if you don’t supervise your kids, they could still get hurt. Seriously hurt. And it doesn’t matter how old your kids are.
“Trampolines with nets do keep kids contained, but all too often trampolines are used in ways they weren’t intended to be used, with three or four or five kids jumping at the same time, and it’s easy for someone to get hurt,” La Count said.
2. Pools
Most parents think they know the inherent risks that come with having their children around a pool, but, again, it doesn’t matter how old your children are, they must be supervised.
And, La Count said, if you own a pool yourself, you should install an alarm system on the pool to prevent potential drowning. That way, you’ll be alerted if someone is in the pool.
Also, be aware that pools can serve as an easy place for some illnesses to be transmitted ““ especially those involving vomiting and diarrhea. If your child is ill, he or she should not be swimming. You also can minimize potential illness by making sure the pool is kept clean and treated.
One other aspect of pools and trampolines La Count wishes more parents were aware of is the increase in financial responsibility that comes with owning either.
“One of the first things insurance companies ascertain after a child sustains an injury is where the injury occurred,” he said. “If the insurance company finds out it was on a trampoline or in a pool, they’re going to go after the person or company that owns the trampoline or pool where the injury occurred.”
That means, if you own the equipment, you are potentially fiscally responsible for injuries that occur due to its use.
3. Too-hot playground equipment
Now that we’re entering the days of 80- and 90-degree temperatures, it’s a good idea to check how hot slides and swings are at the playground before letting your children play on them.
Burns can happen within a matter of seconds, La Count said, and if you’re not aware the equipment is hot, you may not be able to get your child off of it in time to avoid a burn.
The same applies to seats inside cars, he said. The buckles and snaps can become hot enough to burn the skin. You should always start the car and allow it to cool off before placing your child in the seat.
4. Heat exhaustion and dehydration
Be aware of the signs of dehydration, La Count said, such as confusion, lethargy and problems regulating heat. Usually, it’s just a matter of consuming enough fluids. (A helpful hint to remember is that if your urine is the color of apple juice, you’re not well hydrated.)
And remember to take breaks.
“One thing I would stress is that if you’re going to be outside all day long, find places that have air conditioning to rest in from time to time,” La Count said. “You can’t stay in the sun all day long and not expect to have problems with heat. Many children are not acclimated to being outside for a long period of time and may overextend themselves if they’re not careful.”
5. Bicycles
“It’s not a matter of if your child is going to wreck, it’s when,” La Count said, “and if he or she isn’t wearing a helmet, the wreck could lead to serious injuries.”
Just remember to always make sure your child is wearing a helmet while bike riding, he said, teach him or her the rules of the road, and where it is safe to ride.
Also, remember drivers may not see a child on a bicycle, so use lights, bright clothing and appropriate signals, and check the equipment to make sure the tires are in good shape and the brakes are working.
“Dedicated bike paths are safer than roads and bike lanes since they don’t have to compete with automobiles, but teach children to cross the road by walking the bikes in crosswalks, and always yield to cars,” La Count said.
You also should make sure the equipment is properly maintained, and inform your child of how to contact you if he or she wrecks.
“If a helmet is involved in a wreck, or is several years old, it is safer to replace it with a new helmet,” La Count said.
