Summer safety tips: The family guide

The warm weather is finally here, which means many kids will be spending more time outside. We’ve assembled our best family safety tips for playgrounds, pools, pets and much more. Be sure to check out the entire guide, and keep it handy. Pool safety Even if they are good swimmers, children need to be watched closely anytime they’re in or around water. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water so they need adult supervision around pools, lakes, oceans, wading pools, bathtubs, buckets, toilets and hot tubs. Always keep kids in your direct line of sight when around water. Reading, listening to music or having long talks with other people can limit your ability to pay attention. Children can drown silently and quickly, so adults need to be focused and alert when watching them swim. If you own a pool, make sure it has a fence with a gate that locks. It needs to be at least four feet high and surround all four sides of the pool — the house should not be used as one of the sides. Teach your child to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swimming lessons at 4 years old. Use safety equipment. When boating, both you and your child should wear a life vest at all times. Playground safety   Playgrounds are a great way for children to get exercise, but while there they should be watched closely to make sure running and climbing doesn’t end in injury. To keep kids safe while playing outside: Make sure an adult is ...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Kids' Safety Parenting child water safety playground safety pool safety summer safety sun safety tips window safety Source Type: news