7 practical tips: Better protect children during the summer!

Summer and its risks for our children: Precautions to take

The good weather is coming and at the same time the risks associated with leisure and outdoor activities such as swimming, sports activities and sunbathing…
Here is Some safety rules to follow for a peaceful summer and avoid any inconvenience.

We are eagerly awaiting the sun, but These rays can be dangerous (sunburn, allergies, skin cancer, cataracts…) if we don't take some precautions…

Tip #1: Protect children from direct sun exposure!

For that :

• Protect children's skin by applying sunscreen every 2 hours (SPF 50 preferred).
• Avoid exposing them to the sun between 12pm and 4pm
• Dress them in clothes that protect against UV rays and cover their heads with a cap or hat.
• protect their eyes by making them wear sunglasses
• At the beach, at the campsite or in a park (directly exposed to sunlight), bring a parasol or a tent (with UV protection).

Tip #2: Preventing the dangers of whitewater games and swimming

Swimming is the main activity of summer holidays; children love spending hours playing in the water, but this activity is not without risks. It is therefore important to:

• choose swimming areas that are supervised, preferably by a lifeguard.
• Check swimming conditions (weather reports, warning flags)
• Enter the water gradually while splashing water over your body to prepare it for the drop in temperature, and so on. avoid hydrocution.
• Keep a close eye on children, preferably staying near them so you can react quickly in case of drowning.
• equip them with buoys, armbands, Swimsuits with built-in floats (but be aware these do not prevent drowning!)

Tip #3: Prevent heatstroke and dehydration

Extreme heat can cause dehydration and even more serious illnesses, so it is best to:

• give children drinks as often as possible
• To refresh them by bathing/showering them or wetting their clothes, they love water play! :)))
• Keep them in the shade as often as possible or in cool/air-conditioned places.
• Avoid having them do physical activities during the hottest hours.

Tip #4: Prevent any risk of accidents during sporting activities!

Summer outdoor games They are privileged, and there are many of them! Swing, slide, turnstiles, climbing wall, trampoline, bike, Rollerblading, skateboarding, quad biking, the list goes on… But the risks of falls and accidents are greater, so you need to be vigilant and anticipate things by:

• defining simple and clear safety rules for the child even before they start playing, choosing approved games
• by respecting the age range indicated on the game or instructions, because the balance of a 2-year-old is not the same as that of a 6-year-old, choosing suitable and safe locations
• closely monitoring the children, preferably staying close to the child in case of a fall
• ensuring that there are not too many children playing the same game to prevent them from bumping into each other
• equipping the play equipment with accessories adapted to the child's age: swing seat, safety net, shock-absorbing tiles, wrist, elbow, and knee protectors, helmet, non-slip shoes, reflective clothing…

Tip #5: Diversify your activities indoors or in the shade during a heatwave!

When temperatures become too high, during a heatwave, it's sometimes best to stay indoors or in shaded areas at all times! Several options are available to you:

• Opt for air-conditioned venues, ideal for families: aquariums, museums, indoor play parks
• Finding activities to pass the time at home while waiting for the heat to subside: Video games, board games, children's films like cartoons, or even some fun revision using holiday workbooks… as you can see, you'll be spoiled for choice 🙂

Tip #6: Remember to plan for the unexpected and react appropriately!

You are now more informed about the precautions to take for your children this summer, but keep in mind the emergency numbers: 190 (SAMU) and 198 (FIRE DEPARTMENT) so that you have the right reflexes if necessary.

Tip #7 and Conclusion: Above all, use common sense!

If you could only remember one piece of advice, it would undoubtedly be this. Sometimes all it takes is a pragmatic approach, a responsible attitude, and listening to the children in your care. Here are a few examples to keep in mind:

• Communicate with children as much as possible, and use your judgment. A child who cries more than usual may be experiencing much more than just a tantrum…
• Keeping your children within easy reach and never losing sight of them should be the first rule. Especially during the summer months, children getting lost is much more common than you might think. Avoid losing sight of them, for example, in crowded places (pedestrian streets, shopping centers, markets, very touristy areas, etc.).
• Be patient and listen to your children when they need it most. Evening is often a time for confidences, when they can express some "boo-boos" they may have tried to hide during the day!
• Maintain consistent rules of conduct, even during holidays, for the entire family or group. For example, scheduling nap times during hot weather in the early afternoon is often a good idea for younger children.

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