Summer Safety
There’s nowhere better to experience the beauty of summer than East Tennessee. Staying out late catching fireflies, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or spending a day at the pool are some of the joys of summertime. Make the most out of your family adventures this summer by remembering a few summer safety tips.
Water Safety
Whether you’re cooling off at a pool, the lake, a splash pad or water park, it’s important to be mindful around the water.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and the 2nd leading cause of accidental death in kids ages 5-14. Luckily, drowning can be prevented with a few tips.
- Assign an adult “water watcher” any time children are in the water
- Ensure pools are fenced with locked, self-closing gates
- Make sure children are appropriately fitted for a life jacket
- Keep babies in arms’ reach
- Find swimming lessons for children one or older from a certified instructor near you
- For children under one, parent-child water play classes are encouraged
For more information about water safety, visit these resources:
Sun Safety
Fun in the sun can lead to painful sunburn! Make sure to use sunscreen appropriately for children and adults, regardless of skin tone.
Children six months and older
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Follow your sunscreen label directions for best results
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming
- Wear sunglasses and hats
- Wear lightweight, UPF protective clothing
Babies
Babies have especially sensitive skin, and should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. When outside, they should wear lightweight, UPF protective clothing and a hat. Babies can also wear a small amount of SPF 30 sunscreen applied to skin that is not covered by clothing.
Check with your doctor to see if any of your child’s medicines increase sun sensitivity or for how to treat a sunburn.
For more information about sun safety, visit:
Bugs
Don’t let your summer nights get ruined by bug bites! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend insect repellant approved by the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA). Approved active ingredients include:
- DEET is safe and effective but should be used with caution on children under 2 years of age
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Bug spray comes in many forms, but sticks, unpressurized sprays and lotions are easiest to use on children to avoid inhalation and contact with the face, eyes and mouth. When applying bug spray to children, apply it first to your hands and then spread it on the exposed parts of your young child, avoiding their face and hands. Insect repellants can be applied on top of clothing as well as on exposed skin.
Avoid sunscreen/insect repellant combinations as these may result in overexposure to insect repellants since sunscreen often needs to be applied more often.
Bike Safety
Helmets should be worn every time your child rides, starting with tricycles and balance bikes. Helmets should be approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC). The helmet goes on top of the head and should cover the forehead; it should not move around or slide when your child moves their head. The chin strap should fit snugly and be always buckled to prevent the helmet from falling off. All helmets have an expiration date and should be replaced after any significant crash or fall. When in doubt, throw it out.
For more information about bike safety, visit:
