Water, Wheels and Summer Safety
3 – 2 – 1 . . . It’s Summertime! When you think of your favorite summer activities as a kid many adults remember spending time at a pool, playing at a playground, or riding a bike. According to survey data from the National Recreation and Park Association, more than half of all U.S. adults have a happy childhood memory from a pool, beach, park, or playground. For children today, summer is still a favorite time of year, but we also know that it comes with an increased risk for unintentional injury. Often referred to as the “100 deadliest days of summer,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is when the number of unintentional injuries to children is the highest. Whether your family is planning a backyard barbecue or cooling off at the pool, keep these safety tips in mind:
· Buckling up on every ride is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in the car.
· Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly, so before you hit the road, check your car seat. Visit livewelldgks.org to schedule an appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
· Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. A Water Watcher card can help designate a responsible adult to keep an eye on kids in the water at all times.
· A large portion of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To keep you and your loved ones safe, do not drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
· Headed out for a ride on a bike or scooter? Wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death.
· Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding in the evening and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
· When it’s time to heat up the grill, position it well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
· Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.