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child water safety

Spring and summer safety tips

by Tripp Underwood on April 27, 2012

Tree climbing can be dangerous and should only be done under close supervision

The warm weather is finally here, which means many kids will be spending more time outside. Playgrounds are a great way for children to get exercise, but while there they should be watched closely to make sure the running and climbing doesn’t end in injury. To keep kids safe while playing outside:

  • Make sure an adult is always watching
  • When possible, visit playgrounds built on a soft surface like rubber, bark chips or sand
  • Dress them in safe play clothes. Scarves, hood draw-stings, necklaces and other dangling accessories can get caught on play equipment. Also, helmets should only be worn during the activity it was designed for. Playing and running with a helmet could cause an accident because it could limit the child’s range of vision.

Riding a bike, skateboard or scooter is another great summer activity, but only when done safely. Most accidents involving children and bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards happen because the child broke a traffic or safety rule. If your child uses a wheeled toy be sure he or she:

Knows the rules of the road:

  • Always ride on the right side of the road, going the same direction as traffic
  • Use hand signals to let others know which way he is turning
  • Stop at all stop signs and red lights
  • Look both ways before crossing a street or sidewalk Full story »

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AAP: young kids ready for swimming lessons

by Tripp Underwood on June 1, 2010

Some kids under the age of 4 maybe ready for swimming lessons

Some kids under the age of 4 maybe ready for swimming lessons

The weather is finally warming up and schools are getting ready to close their doors for summer break, which means many families will soon be spending more time in and around water. With proper supervision, swimming activities are a great way for kids to get exercise and cool off, but parents need to be aware of the risks.

Drowning continues to be the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19, with toddlers and teenage boys among the biggest risk groups. This summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated guidelines on water safety and drowning prevention, including a relaxed stance on swimming lessons for children less than 4 years old and updated suggestions for guarding large, portable and inflatable pools that have gained popularity in the past few years.

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