Stayin’ Cool

We have to start by reminding everyone that you cannot leave a child in a car unattended, even with the windows down, during summer heat.

This summer’s hot temperatures have already resulted in deaths related to children being left in cars for a short amount of time. If any child gets locked in a car, call 911 to assist if you are unable to remove the child immediately from this dangerous situation.

Even though children’s bodies generate 25 to 50 percent more heat during exercise, they won’t feel thirsty as quickly as adults. Children also have fewer sweat glands, and those they have are not as well developed, so they don’t sweat to evaporate heat as well as adults.

• When you are watching children, don’t be distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.

• Watch children even if they know how to swim.

• Children who can’t swim well or can’t swim at all should be within your reach and wear life jackets.

• Keep a phone near you – use it only to call for help if there is an emergency.

• If a child is missing, check the water first.

LEARN:

• Learn how to swim – both children and adults should know how.

• Learn how to correctly choose and use rescue equipment and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

• Learn adult and infant CPR. Contact the Violet Township Fire CPR Coordinator to schedule your time!

• Teach children never to swim alone.

• Teach children not to play or swim near pool or spa drains.

MORE WATER SAFETY TIPS:

• Never leave children alone when near or accessible to water, and teach children to ask permission before going near a body of water.

• Never leave a child’s safety around water in the hands of another child. Water safety requires vigilant adult supervision.

• When in a park or other recreation facility, swim in areas with designated lifeguards on duty.

• Always swim with a buddy.

• Watch for children who have had too much sun or strenuous activity, or who are are too tired, too cold or too far from safety.

Staying hydrated is extremely important for children. Parents should also be familiar with the signs of dehydration in children, including crying with no tears, decreased urine output, lethargy and headache.

• Encourage children to play inside during the hottest part of the day (1 to 4 p.m.) and to play in shady areas when outdoors.

• Take extra water along to any outdoor activities.

• Interrupt play time periodically for water breaks. If children balk at drinking water, try fruit juice diluted with water as an alternative.

• Ask camp directors and coaches about their programs’ guidelines and plans for keeping children safe during hot weather.

• Make sure buckles are not too hot when settling children into a safety seat or safety belt.

• Keep your car locked even when at home so children do not accidentally get inside while playing.

• Be alert for hot surfaces at playgrounds, which can cause severe burns. Plastic and even metal playground equipment can heat up enough to fry an egg.

• Be aware of artificial turf – if your kids are playing on this type of field, the temperature of the turf can rise to 170 degrees fahrenheit or higher.

By Garth Bishop