Summer Alert: Beware of These Risky Activities for Kids
As the warmer weather approaches, kids eagerly anticipate the fun that summer brings. However, some summer activities may pose risks to children, but many people fail to recognize them. It’s…
As the warmer weather approaches, kids eagerly anticipate the fun that summer brings. However, some summer activities may pose risks to children, but many people fail to recognize them. It's important to be aware of potential dangers associated with common summer activities. By understanding and addressing these risks, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable season for children. Whether kids are having a blast at home, embarking on exciting vacations, or attending summer camps, prioritizing their safety while having fun is paramount.
The Today Show chatted with pediatric emergency medicine doctors about the top reasons why kids end up in the ER during summer. They also discussed activities they wouldn't let their own kids do because they're too risky. Some common summer activities can be super dangerous for kids
When it comes to summer safety for kids, you should keep a few things in mind. Riding a bike without a helmet is risky, even for confident older kids. (Adults should also wear bicycle helmets, by the way.) CDC reports show high rates of bicycle-related injuries among teens. They also said that unsupervised pool time is a big no-no, as drowning is the leading cause of death for young children, particularly in home swimming pools.
If you’re vacationing near a lake or beach with rough waters, those can also be dangerous when swimming. It's good to always check weather conditions and surf forecasts before hitting the beach and be aware of any advisories about undertows or rip tides.
With firework season here, playing with fireworks, even legal ones, poses significant risks. Keep kids away from fireworks, including sparklers, and opt for safer alternatives like glow sticks. In 2021, there were nine deaths in the U.S. due to fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The experts also highlighted the risk of sun exposure. Spending too much time under the sun can result in painful burns and raise the chances of developing skin cancer in the future. Remind kids to slather on sunscreen (at least SPF 15), put on hats and sunglasses, and seek shade under umbrellas to shield themselves from harmful rays. According to the CDC, one or more sunburns during childhood has been linked to an elevated risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood.
Get more insights from the experts as they shared their advice with the Today Show here.
