Keep children safe

Opinion: July 4, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By Juleyka Lantigua-Williams

McClatchy-Tribune

Keeping our children safe is the top priority for all parents, and it takes on more urgency during summertime. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your children safe this season, no matter where your family chooses to have fun.

In the water: Pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, rivers and oceans present a fatal risk. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among children 14 years old and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It ranks behind only car accidents.

Flotation devices

So make sure children wear flotation devices and stay in appropriate areas of the pool or water parks. And make sure a lifeguard or a responsible adult is watching at all times. Kids have been known to drown in even shallow plastic backyard wading pools, according to a recent study in the journal Pediatrics.

Recreational water areas are also breeding ground for germs, so caution children not to swallow pool water and to take a shower before and after swimming.

On the water: Recreational boating is enjoyed by more than 70 million Americans each year, making it one of the most popular summer activities. However, to stay safe, everyone should wear properly fitted life jackets. Parents should abstain from consuming alcohol, as it may impair their ability to supervise children and react in an emergency.

Little League

On the field: Summer sports like Little League, mountain biking, and inline skating can enrich a child’s summer experience in many ways, but may also create opportunities for injury. Concussions and broken bones can result from falls and accidents on playgrounds and other hard-surface areas. Every child should wear protective gear, such as wrist guards, knee and elbow pads and especially a helmet.

In the sun: Kids’ skin needs protection from ultraviolet rays any time they’re outdoors. So have your kids use sunscreen, cover up with clothing, put on sunglasses and avoid the midday sun.

While camping: Be sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date. And warn your child never to hike or swim alone. Use insect repellent. Check for ticks, and remove them promptly.

Don’t let all these risks get in the way of having a fun summer. Knowing the risks and preparing for them will keep your kid safe — and your mind free.

Lantigua-Williams writes for Progressive Media Project, a source of liberal commentary on domestic and international issues; it is affiliated with The Progressive magazine. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.