Summer Safety Tips for Kids
Summer is all about fun in the sun but staying safe is just as important! Here are some quick tips to help kids have a safe and happy summer:
🧴 1. Slather on the Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ at least 15–30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours and don’t forget to wear hats, and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
💧 2. Stay Hydrated
Drink water often, even if you’re not thirsty. Hot weather and outdoor activities mean your body needs more fluids to stay cool and healthy.
🕶️ 3. Dress for the Heat
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect from the sun. Flip-flops are great for the beach, but not for biking or running!
🏊 4. Be Water Wise
Always swim with an adult present. Follow pool rules, wear life jackets when boating or open water activities. Never dive into shallow water. Summer is a great time to enrol in swimming lessons.
🚲 5. Helmet = Head Protection
Ride safe, ride smart!
Always ensure children wear properly fitted helmets when biking, scootering, or skateboarding. Teach them hand signals and road rules. Remember, a helmet, could save your life!
🦟 6. Bug Off!
Use child-safe insect repellent (ex. wooded areas),especially at dawn or dusk and check for ticks after outdoor play. Long sleeves and pants can also help prevent bites. You can make your own organic bug spray right at home. Also colours like white, green, blue, and purple make you more difficult to be seen and can repel mosquitoes.
🔥 7. Campfire & BBQ Caution
Stay a safe distance from open flames, fire pits, and grills. No running or playing near them, and never touch hot coals! Parents should supervise any use of sparklers and if using fireworks, keep kids at a safe distance by ensuring adult supervision for all pyrotechnic displays. And remember, kids are always watching/listening, therefore they see/hear how you interact with fire or talk about fire safety. Teach them young so when they become teenagers and young adults, they’ll have this little voice in the back of their head ‘i remember mom/dad talk talking about being sure there is nothing flammables near by, and making sure we have sand under anything we’re about to ignite, or we have a fire extinguisher/water nearby in case of a disaster‘.
🌳 8. Stranger Safety
If you’re children are heading to parks or events without adults, remind them to stay with your group or go to the bathroom with a buddy, and never wander off alone. Teach children about stranger danger and the importance of never going off with someone they don’t know, even if that person claims to know their parents or family member. Establish a family “code word.” And practice it often so everyone remembers the code word! Here is a download PDF put out by the Ottawa Carleton District School Board on Crime Prevention Tips for Parents/Guardians.
🚶 9. Street Smarts
Look both ways before crossing the street, and always use crosswalks. If you’re walking with friends, stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or earbuds.
😎 10. Listen to Your Body
If you feel dizzy, tired, or too hot, take a break in the shade, cool off, and let an adult know how you’re feeling. These are the first signs of heat stroke! Be sure to drink water if you start to feel dizzy, tired or too hot!
