Summertime Safety: It’s All Fun And Games Until Someone Gets Hurt

Odds are that either you or your mother has said this phrase before, “It’s all fun and games, until someone gets hurt!” The summertime is full of fun, but our favorite summer pastimes can become dangerous if simple precautions aren’t taken.

Keep reading for water and firework safety tips that just might save a life this summer!

Water Safety

Many of us will visit a pool, lake or ocean this summer. Playing in the water is a great escape from the heat, but can become hazardous very quickly for even the most confident swimmers.

What can you do?

·       Always supervise children. A small child can drown in as little as two inches of water. Watch your child, even if they are only in a “kiddie pool” or know how to swim. This is the biggest prevention to drowning.

·       Use a buddy system. Swimming alone increases the risk of drowning.

·       Make sure children learn how to swim early, and learn to swim yourself. Even if it’s just “dog paddling,” everyone should learn how to keep themselves safe and afloat in a body of water.

·       Learn CPR.This valuable lesson could save a life while waiting for help to arrive.

·       Don’t depend on inflatable toys. These are not designed to keep children safely afloat. Look for Coast Guard-approved life vests, check the weight and size recommendations on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly. For kids younger than 5, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head support.

·       Clear the deck of pool toys. A major cause of drowning is falling in while trying to retrieve a toy from the pool area.

·       Practice good hygiene. Washing hands after spending time in the water is very important in avoiding water-related illness.

Firework Safety

In the US, 46 states allow some or all types of consumer fireworks usage. Although fireworks are legally sold to the public, if not used properly, can cause devastating consequences. We like to leave the displays up to the professionals, but if you choose to “try this at home,” read these rules before you light it up. 

·       Always read the directions. We all know what happens when we assume, and not all fireworks work the same way. Read directions to make sure you’re using them in the way they were intended.

·       Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Pointing fireworks at someone, even when intended as a joke, is one of the largest contributors to Fourth of July injuries.

·       Leave it to the adults. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 have three times the risk of fireworks injuries compared to adults.

·       Avoid baggy clothing. Wear fitted shirts and pants, as baggy clothes are more likely to catch flame or get caught on something.

·       Keep a bucket of water handy. It can be used if a firework appears defective or a fire breaks out.

      ·       Never attempt to fix a “broken” firework. If it doesn’t ignite, leave it alone! Wait 20 minutes and      
             then douse it in a bucket of water.