Make It a Safe Summer

Safe Summer Fun

Swim Safely

• Always keep your eyes on your children when they are playing in or near water. Have a designated "water watcher."
• Install fencing around all sides of your pool or spa. The fencing should be at least five feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Always wear a life jacket when riding on a boat or taking part in water sports.
• Children should learn to swim after age four.
• Never swim alone.
• Never dive into water that is less than nine feet deep.
• Only a trained individual should enter the water to help someone who is in trouble. Reach, throw, row, but do not go.

Wheel Safely

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet that fits snugly and does not rock back and forth. It should be centered on the top of the head and always buckled.
• Ride a bike that is not too big and is in good working order.
• If your child is under 10, make sure that he cycles, skates, or rides a scooter only on sidewalks, paths or designated areas.
• Wear bright clothing.
• Teach your children traffic rules.

Ride Safely

• Secure all children younger than 13 in the back seat for every ride in the car.
• Infants should ride in a rear facing car seat as long as possible--at least until they are 20 pounds and 12 months of age.
• Keep children in a car seat or booster until the adult lap and shoulder belt fits correctly.
• Children should play only in areas where there are no vehicles. Parking lots, driveways, and areas where driveways cross sidewalks are dangerous places.
• Parents and caregivers should always walk around vehicles and look for children and toys before getting in and starting the engine.
• Children must never be left alone in the car. The interior of a car gets very hot quickly in the summer, and babies and young children will get overheated rapidly.

Walk Safely

• Teach children to cross the street at the corner.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Make sure that children under 10 cross with an adult.
• Wear bright colors so that you can be easily seen.
• Never run into the street for a toy.
• Remember that the streets are for vehicles, not children.

Sun and Beach Safety

Sun Safety for Babies

• Babies younger than six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. It is okay to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants under six months if there is no way to avoid the sun.
• Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs and use brimmed hats.

Sun Safety for Kids

• Choose sunscreen that is made for children, preferably waterproof. Before covering your child, test the sunscreen on your child's back for an allergic reaction. If a rash develops, talk with your pediatrician.
• Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton is cool and protective.
• When using a cap with a bill, make sure the bill faces forward to shield your child's face. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea to protect your child's eyes.
• If sunburn results in blistering, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.

Sun Safety for the Family

• The sun's rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. Try to stay out of the sun during those hours.
• Damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete, so be particularly careful in these environments.
• Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day, so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
• When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label. It means that the sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Choose a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
• Zinc oxide, an effective sunblock, can be used for extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders.
• Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors, Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.

Safety at the Beach

• Drink plenty of water, noncarbonated and nonalcoholic drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard. Never swim alone.
• Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in a current, don't try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
• Seek shelter in case of storm. Get out of the water. Get off the bach in case of lightening.
• Watch for traffic. Some beaches allow cars.

Partners in Safety

Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center has become the lead agency for Safe Kids Durham County, a coalition focused on reducing the number of injuries and deaths in our community by educating children and families about the importance of injury prevention in our everyday lives. Safe Kids programs focus on safety in and around cars; fire and burn prevention; and bike, pedestrian, water, and firearm safety. For more information about Safe Kids, contact Theresa Cromling, RN, Safe Kids Durham County Coordinator, at theresa.cromling@duke.edu.