Protect your children from drowning and excessive heat this summer

While many of us are having fun in the sun this hot summer, this season also poses many dangers for young children aged 5 and under. As temperatures soar and we enjoy the outdoors more than any other time of the year, it’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of potential risks and take the necessary steps to keep young children safe.

That’s why for the second year in a row, First 5 San Bernardino is conducting its Kid Safe Summer campaign to provide summer safety resources and information to aid in protecting San Bernardino County’s littlest ones. Children are precious, and keeping them safe in the water and shielded from the blazing sun should be a top priority for parents and caregivers. Amongst other important topics, the campaign addresses the following important tips.

Water Safety

Knowing the ABCs of water safety – ‘active’ adult supervision; ‘barriers’ separating bodies of water from children; and CPR and swimming ‘classes’ – can help avoid dangerous situations. Remember that you are your child’s best lifeguard. Designating an adult Water Watcher and wearing a physical tag is an effective way to communicate who is on duty to watch children in the pool at all times. Never leave a child unsupervised around water.

Safety in the Heat

As July and August temperatures are extremely hot in Southern California, heatstroke, sun exposure and dehydration are all too common among young children. Babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable as their little bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.

First and foremost, never leave a child in a car unattended, as cars can heat up to deadly temperatures as quickly as 10 minutes. While most people know to never leave their child in a car, most instances of children dying from heatstroke are because someone accidentally forgot to check the back seat. A great way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to set a reminder, such as leaving a stuffed animal in your front seat while the child is in the car, then moving it to the back seat when they are out.

The sun’s harmful UV rays are especially dangerous to young children with delicate skin. Remember that children under 6 months old should not wear sunscreen. Use fabric coverings such as long shirts, hats and pants to cover as much skin as possible. Invest in a UV shield for your vehicle to block the rays while driving.

“Summer is such a fun and exciting time for young children, but we must understand the dangers the additional exposure to water and heat create,” said First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott. “We want our county’s precious children and future leaders to have fun while being safe, and we’re here to help families do just that by offering great resources, tips and education.”

Visit the Kid Safe Summer landing pages on First 5 San Bernardino’s website where a library of videos, quick tips, easy downloads and other summer safety resources are available. First 5 San Bernardino wants you to have a Kid Safe Summer!

Additional County Update News – July 25, 2024