As warmer weather arrives, kids spend a lot more time outdoors playing. This is great for their mental and physical health, of course, but it also means adult caretakers need to spend time outlining some basic safety measures for children to keep in mind. Outdoor safety for kids encompasses a number of areas and activities.
Outdoor Playground Safety for Kids
Playground safety is important for kids of all ages. Toddlers and younger children should always be supervised on the playground. Older children should follow some basics to prevent injury. Equipment should be used as intended (no climbing up slides or standing on swings) and avoided if it is wet and slippery.
Bikes, skateboards, balls, backpacks and other items they may bring to the playground should be stored out of the way so people won't trip over them. Metal equipment can get hot in the summer. Kids should also be taught to stay aware of other children on the playground when they are running, jumping and playing on the equipment.
Sun Safety Tips for Children
Learning how to stay safe in the sun while playing outdoors is important for all kids, not just beach dwellers. Even on cloudy days, children can get a nasty sunburn if they aren't properly protected. Apply sunscreen of at least 15 sun protection factor (SPF) to all exposed skin areas. Reapply every two hours.
Encourage kids to wear hats. Wear swimwear or play clothing that has ultraviolet-ray protection woven into the fabric. Dehydration is another concern when kids are playing hard in direct sunlight. They should drink water often and get out of the sun if they feel dizzy, nauseated or tired.
Teach Children About Water Safety in Pools, Lakes and Oceans
Kids love pools, rivers, lakes and the ocean, and water safety is key to enjoying all of these outdoor activities. Kids should be given swimming lessons when they become interested in water and be aware of their limitations. It's best for children to swim in areas that have lifeguards. All children should be told to never dive into a body of water if they cannot see the bottom.
Snug-fitting safety vests should be worn on boats. Ocean safety instructions are also important, so that kids know how to keep themselves calm and safe if they get caught in a strong current or a rip tide.
Outdoor Hiking/Camping Safety for Kids
Teach kids about hiking and camping safety before packing up the tent for a trip into the great outdoors. Young campers should know some basics about map, compass and GPS use and should be familiar with the hiking area. They should wear loose, layered clothing in case the weather changes suddenly.
Kids on longer hikes or camping trips should have flashlights, water, food and a fire source. Many summer camps offer programs that teach kids about basic camping safety.
Emphasize Safe Cycling Rules to Children
Kids riding their bikes during the day should wear lightweight, bright-colored shirts to prevent overheating and keep them visible to cars. All bike riders should use a snug-fitting helmet and wear shoes that grip the pedals and protect their feet. Make certain that children know and follow the rules of the road, from riding on the right side and stopping at traffic lights to the proper way to signal turns.
Following these safety guidelines when they are on playgrounds, in the sun or water and hiking, camping or cycling while they play and enjoy the summer will help children get the most out of their outdoor time by keeping them comfortable and healthy.
For more information on child safety and summer fun, please read How to Prevent and Treat Sunburn at the Beach, Ocean Safety Tips That Kids and All Beach Vacationers Should Know and Beach Safety: Teaching Kids How to Swim Safely in Ocean Water.
Sources:
KidsHealth Website. Playground Safety (accessed March 30, 2010).
KidsHealth Website. Sun Safety (accessed March 30, 2010).
Janice Fahy - Janice Fahy is a freelance writer who is comfortable researching and writing on just about any topic under the sun.
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