5 Essential Summer Safety Tips
Summer is a time of excitement for children, brimming with opportunities to explore the outdoors, dive into water activities, and enjoy the long, sunny days.
However, the season also presents unique challenges and risks that require extra attention from both parents and nannies to ensure that children remain safe and healthy during their adventures.
Here are some detailed safety tips to consider, ensuring a summer that is both delightful and secure for the children in your care:
1. Water Safety: Keep Swim Time Safe
While swimming is synonymous with summer joy, it is accompanied by substantial dangers. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children, making supervision a critical yet often underestimated aspect of summertime splashing. Whether you’re at the lake, beach or pool, some crucial water safety tips are:
Never leave children unattended near water, regardless of their swimming capabilities. Drowning can occur silently and within moments, even in shallow water.
Use proper flotation devices for children who are not strong swimmers. Ensure these devices are Coast Guard-approved, as not all flotation aids provide adequate safety.
Enroll children in accredited swimming lessons early in the season. These not only teach swimming skills but also water safety habits that are vital for preventing accidents.
Become CPR certified if you haven't already. Having CPR skills can be a lifesaver in the event of a water emergency.
2. Sun Protection: Shield from the Rays
The summer sun, while glorious, can be harsh, especially on young, sensitive skin. Sunburns can occur in as little as 15 minutes on exposed skin, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term skin damage. To keep the kiddos safe, always remember to:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen generously to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Choosing water-resistant types is crucial for days involving water play.
Dress children in protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover as much skin as possible without causing overheating.
Limit exposure during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan indoor or shaded activities during these times to avoid the strongest sun rays.
Keep infants under six months in the shade and consult a pediatrician before applying any sunscreen on their delicate skin.
3. Heat Safety: Stay Cool and Hydrated
Temperatures can soar during summer and children are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke due to their smaller body size and underdeveloped ability to regulate body temperature. Here are a few things to keep top of mind to keep the kiddos cool:
Promote regular hydration, encouraging children to drink water throughout the day. Carrying a fun, colorful water bottle can make hydration more appealing to young ones.
Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Early morning or late evening are ideal times for physical play outside the direct heat.
Recognize signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, and pale, moist skin. If these symptoms occur, move to a cooler environment immediately, hydrate, and seek medical attention if conditions do not improve.
4. Insect Safety: Preventing Bites and Stings
Summer not only brings warmer weather and longer days but also an increase in insect activity. Mosquitoes, bees, and other biting insects can turn a fun day outdoors into an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation, especially for children with allergies to stings or bites. By taking these preventive steps, you can help ensure that children are protected from insect bites and stings:
Apply insect repellent correctly: Use EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, ensuring that they are safe for use on children according to the label instructions. Apply repellent on exposed skin and over clothing, but avoid hands, eyes, and mouth.
Avoid insect hotspots: Steer clear of stagnant water, uncovered food, and blooming gardens during peak insect times, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Regularly inspect outdoor play areas for wasp nests or ant hills, which can pose significant risks to children, and keep play areas free from food debris or sugary drinks that can attract insects.
Teach children how to react: Instruct children to stay calm and avoid swatting at flying insects like bees or wasps, which might provoke them. Instead, they should move slowly away from the area and notify an adult.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Know Important Contacts
Being proactive about potential emergencies can dramatically improve outcomes in unexpected situations.
Maintain a current list of emergency contacts, including the family's contact information, local emergency services, and directions to the nearest hospital.
Have immediate access to the contact information for the family’s preferred healthcare providers, such as pediatricians and allergy specialists.
Understand the specific medical needs and conditions of the children in your care, including how to properly administer any necessary medications.
The Takeaway
As a nanny, your primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of the children in your care. By following these summer safety tips, you can help ensure that everyone has a fun and safe season. Always be prepared, stay alert, and enjoy the beautiful weather and activities that summer has to offer!