Make Way For Summer, Safely

Author: Bonita Billingsley Harris

Protecting yourself and your children from potential hazards

Most children (and teachers) can’t wait until school’s out for the summer – the season of fun in the sun. However, while you’re out enjoying the weather, don’t forget to protect yourself and your children from potential hazards. From water dangers to sunburn to bee stings to dehydration, the summertime can be especially dangerous for children.

Ask 4-year-old Gage Alexander Sexton who definitely inherited his grandfather’s love of the water. Every chance he gets, little Gage begs his Papaw, Rick Wymer, to take him out on the boat, or practice his fishing techniques. Wymer always emphasizes the importance of learning how to swim, wearing a life vest, paying attention and other safety precautions. However, one day during the fishing partners got more than they were fishing for, during a trip to Lake Gaston.

“Gage had gotten really good at dry casting on the lawn, so I thought he was ready to try it out at the lake,” Wymer reflects. “We were sitting on the dock and he was doing really well, so I told him stay in the center of the dock while I went to a two handed cast for greater reach.”

Gage immediately tried to imitate his grandfather. To get more momentum, the boy stepped forward before Wymer could stop him, and plopped right into the water.

Wymer dove in after his grandson, pulling him out of the water, half sputtering, half crying.

“It gave us both the scare of our lives. Thank God I picked a spot where the water was just 4 or 5 feet deep. He was in my arms within seconds. By the time I wrapped him up in a jacket and put him in the golf cart, he was laughing.”

Wymer can laugh about it now too, but he shudders to think how dangerous it could have been. Gage was not wearing a life vest. While he always insists everyone wear one in the boat, he didn’t think his grandson would need one on the dock.

According to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, drowning is the number one danger to children during the summer. CHKD recommends parents always supervise children around water, including spas, bathtubs, toilets and buckets. Stay within arm's length of non-swimmers whenever they're near water, and keep an eagle eye on swimmers, even when there's a lifeguard on duty. Also, make sure your children wear personal flotation devices when they're on boats. Personal flotation devices are also a good idea for non-swimmers at the beach or the pool, but they are not a substitute for constant parental supervision near water. If you own a pool, make sure it is surrounded by a safety fence and that children can't unlock the gate. Don't leave toys in the pool; children have been known to reach for them and fall in.

Crystal Watson, the Center Director for a Chesapeake KinderCare, says sunburn is the most common summer ailment she sees. According to her, sunscreen should be a parent’s best friend.

“Keep several of them with you at all times,” Watson advises parents. “Have one in each car, one in the diaper bag and one at home.”

Watson goes on to recommend other summer safety supplies for family outings, including stroller netting, flags for walkers and strollers, bug repellant and bottled water.

“With so many fun activates to combine into a fun summer day, my PERSONAL favorite must have for summer are water shoes!! AKA - water socks,” Watson smiles. “They are wonderful for sand, pools, cement- all at one time. With so many new styles you can not only have a fashionable baby, but also keep their feet protected in a variety of summer environments.”

While more children are injured in the summer months than any other time of the year, the good news is 90-percent of the injuries are preventable. So child safety advocates urge parents to be sun smart.

“As an early childhood professional I would encourage all parents to most importantly remember the nature of a baby,” Watson adds. “They are very curious and unpredictable. Purchasing additional equipment can certainly make your baby safer; however, they are no substitute for increasedawareness and supervision.

Rick Wymer said he’s certainly learned his lesson. His grandson Gage has been begging him to take him fishing again. He’s just thankful their last fishing story had a happy ending.

CHKD’s Summer First Aid

Sunburns, jellyfish stings, scraped knees . . .
Minor injuries are rites of passage for kids during the summer. Most of these injuries can be treated easily at home if parents are armed with some basic knowledge and supplies. Here’s a primer to get you ready:

Cuts and Scrapes

Wash your hands before you come near the wound.

Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding.

Don’t blow on the abrasion because it can cause germs to grow.

Wash the cut area thoroughly but gently with soap and water, letting the water from the faucet run over it for several minutes to remove any dirt or debris.

Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.

Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad. Change the dressing often.

Call your doctor if: your child is bleeding heavily; bleeding doesn’t stop after five to 10 minutes of direct pressure; the injury is a puncture wound caused by a dirty or rusty object the cut is ragged, or gaping; the cut is very painful or shows signs of infection such as warmth, redness, swelling or drainage

Bites and stings

Stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets can be painful and frightening to a child. They can also cause a dangerous allergic reactions or infections. For common insect stings, with symptoms including pain, swelling, redness and itching, follow these guidelines:

Remove the stinger by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card. Don’t try to pull it out because that could release more venom.

Wash the area with soap and water.

Apply ice for a few minutes to reduce the itching and pain.

Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching

Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you think your child is experiencing an allergic reaction to any sting. Symptoms may include coughing, tickling or tightness in the throat, breathing problems, nausea or vomiting, hives, dizziness, fainting or sweating.

If your child is stung by a jellyfish, rinse the affected area with saltwater -- not fresh water which might cause more venom to be injected. To neutralize venom on the skin, apply a paste of baking soda and water or a mixture of unseasoned meat tenderizer and water to the area.