Summer Safety: Keep Your Kids Safe at Summer Camp
Summer camps provide kids with ample opportunity for physical activity and social interaction. In some instances, however, camp activities can expose children to serious harm. Here’s how you can keep your kids safe and sound this summer.
Water Safety
Sadly, up to three children die every day due to drowning. You can reduce your child’s risk of water-related death or injury by:
• Make sure the camp always supervises children near water.
• Ensure that camp staff remains within arm’s reach of young children.
• Teach kids to swim as early as possible.
• Ensure that camp counselors know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Make sure kids will be wearing life jackets while boating.
Beating the Heat
When a child’s body temperature grows too high, serious heat-related illnesses can occur. Minimize your child’s risk by:
• Dress your kids in light-colored, loose clothing that will wick away moisture.
• Ask camp administrators to schedule outdoor activities in the cooler evening or morning hours.
• Teach your child to apply sunscreen to his or her skin every few hours during outdoor activities.
• Make sure your child has access to water and/or sports drinks.
Avoiding other Outdoor Risks
There are a number of other summer hazards that pose serious risks to your child. Reduce the chances of illness and injury by:
• Apply insect repellent to protect against tick- and mosquito-borne infections.
• Research your child’s summer camp and interview camp personnel.
• Inspect camp surfaces and equipment to make sure they are safe and well-maintained.
When it comes to camp safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Get proactive about your child’s well-being and pave the way for a fun, rewarding summer experience.
