Summer is fast approaching and for many families it means summer camp, sun soaked beach days and travel are on the horizon! While we look forward to warm weather all winter long, there are some safety hazards to be aware of. Here are seven ways to keep your kids safe all summer long.
Beach Safety:
• Perimeter safety: If you have small children, mark a small area on the beach and make sure they know what these perimeters are. For example, “Don’t go past the life guard booth.”
• Sun safety: Look for sunscreen that has both UVB and UVA protection. Also be sure that it is water resistant. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied multiple times throughout the day. This varies based on skin type and the SPF number on your sunscreen.
• Water safety: Make sure there is a lifeguard on duty while you’re at the beach. Be aware of potential rip currents, which are narrow channels of fast moving water that can drag swimmers into the ocean. If you find yourself in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out. Be sure your family is educated on rip currents and other beach safety.
Summer Camp Safety:
• Before sending your kids off to camp be sure the safety standards are up to par. Contact the camp to ensure they received all of your child’s medical records and ask for a copy of the camp’s health protocols.
• Ask about the child-to-counselor ratio at the camp. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of adult supervision as some kids may need a closer watch than others.
Travel Safety:
• When traveling abroad be sure that the family has all of the appropriate vaccines for traveling to that country. All countries have different vaccine requirements . Check the CDC for advice on which vaccines or medication you need.
• When you reach your hotel see if there are any potential hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp edges.
For child safety all year round, teach your children basic emergency procedures. Teach them what to do in case of a fire, give them important phone numbers and make them aware of stranger danger.
At Women’s Choice Award we care about the safety of our kids. That’s why we’ve come together as a million women strong to ensure we are making smart decisions for our families. Become part of the thousands of women having their voice heard today!
What advice do you have for other moms trying to keep their kids safe this summer?
Beach Safety:
• Perimeter safety: If you have small children, mark a small area on the beach and make sure they know what these perimeters are. For example, “Don’t go past the life guard booth.”
• Sun safety: Look for sunscreen that has both UVB and UVA protection. Also be sure that it is water resistant. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied multiple times throughout the day. This varies based on skin type and the SPF number on your sunscreen.
• Water safety: Make sure there is a lifeguard on duty while you’re at the beach. Be aware of potential rip currents, which are narrow channels of fast moving water that can drag swimmers into the ocean. If you find yourself in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out. Be sure your family is educated on rip currents and other beach safety.
Summer Camp Safety:
• Before sending your kids off to camp be sure the safety standards are up to par. Contact the camp to ensure they received all of your child’s medical records and ask for a copy of the camp’s health protocols.
• Ask about the child-to-counselor ratio at the camp. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of adult supervision as some kids may need a closer watch than others.
Travel Safety:
• When traveling abroad be sure that the family has all of the appropriate vaccines for traveling to that country. All countries have different vaccine requirements . Check the CDC for advice on which vaccines or medication you need.
• When you reach your hotel see if there are any potential hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp edges.
For child safety all year round, teach your children basic emergency procedures. Teach them what to do in case of a fire, give them important phone numbers and make them aware of stranger danger.
At Women’s Choice Award we care about the safety of our kids. That’s why we’ve come together as a million women strong to ensure we are making smart decisions for our families. Become part of the thousands of women having their voice heard today!
What advice do you have for other moms trying to keep their kids safe this summer?