Five Summer Activities that Can Be Dangerous for Kids

It’s not OFFICIALLY summer for a couple more weeks still, but it’s never too early for this reminder.  Here are five common summer activities that can be super dangerous for kids . . .

1.  Riding a bike without a helmet.  A lot of older kids don’t think they need a helmet because they’re good at riding their bike and they’re not afraid of falling.

But according to the CDC, teens have some of the highest rates of bicycle-related injuries treated in ERs.

2.  Going in or near a pool unsupervised.  Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., and most of these drownings occur in home swimming pools.

3.  Swimming in a rough ocean.  Before going to the beach, always check the weather conditions and surf zone forecast.  And when you’re AT the beach, pay attention to any advisories related to undertows or rip tides.

4.  Playing with fireworks.  Yes, even the legal ones are dangerous.  If you still want to take the risk, kids should never be allowed to touch or light any of the fireworks, including sparklers.  A safer alternative is a glow stick.

5.  Spending time in the sun without protection.  Being in the sun too long can cause second-degree burns.  And one or more bad sunburns during childhood has been found to increase the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.

So if you’re going to be spending some time in the sun, kids should always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at LEAST SPF 15 but ideally higher.  And hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas are all good too.

(Today)