Summer Safety Tips for your Children

By Mary Ann McNeil, M.A., E.M.T.-P.

Summer in Minnesota means swimming, biking, barbecues, ball games, and generally enjoying life outdoors. But it can also be the most dangerous season for kids--accidental childhood injuries and deaths typically peak during the months of May through August. We see this trend each summer in the emergency department.

Fortunately, injuries can be prevented by following some common-sense measures. Here are a few tips to help kids have a fun and safe summer.

• Sun Block : Kids should wear sunscreen and protective clothing--hats and long-sleeve shirts. Children younger than 3 years old should use sun block rated at 30 SPF or higher. Sun block should be hypoallergenic and specially formulated for children.

• Heat Exhaustion : During any warm-weather activity, children should take frequent rest and sun breaks, and drink plenty of liquids (low or no salt and no caffeine) to prevent dehydration.
  
• Mosquitoes and Ticks : Kids should wear insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin, and be warned against scratching bite-marks. An over-the-counter product containing hydrocortisone should be applied to mosquito bites to reduce swelling and itching. Bee stings and deer-tick bites can lead to more serious health consequences. West Nile virus carried by birds and Lyme disease carried by deer ticks have increased in the Midwestern states. When spending time in natural habitats, kids should wear long pants and tuck their pant legs into their socks. If you can't negotiate away from the summer shorts and sandals, it is especially important to check your child for bites and ticks. 
  
• Bicycle Safety : Kids should always wear helmets (properly fitted and fastened) to reduce their risk of head injury. Adults also should wear helmets. Studies have shown that adult usage of helmets increases children's use. Bicyclists should look carefully in all directions before entering a roadway--and always ride with the direction of traffic, not against it. Younger riders should stay off streets and on bicycle paths. Helmets are also essential for skateboarding and in-line skating.
  
• ATVs : ATVs are a frequent cause of injury, as they can easily tip over on bumpy or hilly ground. Children under 16 should ride ATVs only under adult supervision and always wear helmets. And they should only ride ATVs that are age-appropriate. Check the ATV Safety Institute Web site for specifics at http://www.atvsafety.org .
  
• Safe Swimming : Kids should always swim with a buddy, never alone. Make sure a lifeguard or other adult supervision is present. Teach kids to always check the water's depth before diving or jumping in. To be prepared for an emergency, adults and teenagers should learn CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
  
• Boating Safety : Adults and children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Children under 16 should never operate personal watercraft.
  

By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your kids enjoy the great outdoors this summer and stay out of the emergency room. More safety information is available on the National Safe Kids Campaign Web site at http://www.safekids.org .

Mary Ann McNeil is the director of the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Emergency Medicine. This column is an educational service of the University of Minnesota. Advice presented should not take the place of an examination by a health-care professional. For more health-related information, go to http://www.healthtalk.umn.edu .