Summer is always a fun time for children because instead of waking up every day and going to school, they can stay home. It is also a time when families may travel or do activities that they cannot do other times of the year.
Kids in Danger explains that summer increases the risks of injuries in children because, at home, they are more likely to be outside and involved in various activities. Keeping kids safe requires understanding the risks and protecting them as best possible.
Trampolines
Backyard trampolines may seem like a great activity. It provides children with exercise and allows parents to keep an eye on them. Plus, kids really love it. However, these toys pose serious injury dangers. Kids may fall off the trampoline, break bones when jumping or suffer head injuries. Parents should enforce safety rules and install trampolines according to the instructions to help avoid many of the injury risks.
Bicycles
Riding a bicycle on the roadway increases a child’s chance of an accident with a vehicle, which can result in severe injuries or death. Even if a child is not on the road, there is still a risk for falls that can lead to head injuries and broken bones. Parents should teach kids how to ride safely, enforce wearing a helmet and other safety gear and supervise young children when they are riding on the road.
Swimming pools
Swimming and other pool activities are a large part of summer for many families. However, drownings are a top risk for children, especially those under the age of nine. All it takes is a moment of inattention and a child can end up drowning in a pool. Parents need always to supervise water activities, install safety devices and teach children about water safety. Anyone who owns a pool should install barriers to prevent children from wandering into the pool area.