Summer Safety

By Tara Liddle, DPT and Cara Yochai, DPT

So many of us have been confined for months with our children at home. Now that summer is in full swing and camps are canceled, we desperately want to throw open our doors and shoo the munchkins outside. As all of you know we are all for active children, and there is no better way to be active than the great outdoors. HOWEVER, safety first. 

Here are some outdoor safety tips:

• Sunscreen: we all need it, especially children.

• Hydration: Have your child drink plenty of water before sending them out and give them a water bottle to take with them.

• Bug Spray: There are several good child-friendly bug sprays on the market.

• Water Safety: 

  • About 1,000 drownings occur each year

  • Be diligent, never leave a young child alone near water

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing a 4-foot fence around all home pools. 

  • Teenagers tend to engage in risky behaviors such as diving, jumping, and running into waters. Please be aware of water depth as head and spinal injuries may occur, leaving permanent impairments.

  • Especially this summer, the beaches may not have lifeguards on duty, extra supervision and education are needed. 

• Biking: wear a correctly fitting helmet.

• Remind the little ones and teens to check in with you.

Since many public firework displays are canceled this year due to Covid-19, please be extra aware of backyard firework displays.

Stay safe, Everyone.