Summer is a season for adventure! It’s a time to bask in the sun, set out on the open road, and spend as much time near a body of water as humanly possible. Follow these summer safety tips for preschoolers to make sure your child stays happy, healthy, and protected from the elements all summer long!
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Your child might get tired of hearing it, but it can’t be said enough. Young children dehydrate faster than adults, and it can be easy for a child to forget to grab a drink of water when they’re absorbed in poolside play or on a long sunny day at the park. For an extra boost, bring along electrolyte-based drinks like Pedialyte and Gatorade for your child to ensure they can rehydrate quickly after high-intensity activities.
2. Practice Sun Safety
We typically remember to wear sunscreen for the pool or a day at the beach, but the fact is, we need to protect our skin from the sun every time we’re outside! According to the CDC, UV rays can affect us even on cloudy days. It’s important to wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Checking the UV index on your weather app can also be a helpful tool to assess what level of skin protection you may need. For longer days outdoors with a higher UV index, clothes, hats, and cover-ups made from tightly woven fabrics are the best option for your young child.
3. Eyes on the Child
Regular swim lessons during the fall and winter months are an excellent way to instill principles of swim safety before summertime comes around. However, no matter your child’s skill level, it’s always important to maintain direct supervision of a preschooler in the water, whether you’re spending the day at the ocean or just an afternoon at your local pool. It’s easy to become distracted without even realizing it, so designated swim supervisors should remember the mantra, “eyes on the child” whenever they enter the water.
4. Beat Bacteria
Many of us thrive during the rising temperatures of the summer months, but unfortunately, so do harmful bacteria! That’s why food safety is even more important as temperatures warm outside, in our cars, and in our homes. Follow the CDC’s four steps to food safety when preparing and storing all of your meals to avoid upset tummies and food poisoning.
5. Make a Plan in Case of Separation
Trips to new sites can be exciting and full of adventure, but they can also lead to encounters with big crowds and large unfamiliar spaces. It’s easy for a young child to become potentially separated from guardians and siblings. Use the buddy system as an additional safety method, and always make a backup plan in case of separation. Places like gift shops and information centers are good places to plan on meeting in case of separation. Point them out to your child before setting out for the day. You can also dress yourself and your child in a bright or unusual color to help stand out in a crowd.
Keeping Children Safe Every Day
The Gardner School takes child safety seriously. That’s why we design our learning and play spaces to foster safe exploration and discovery. Students at The Gardner School experience learning firsthand. To learn why parents choose us to help their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour. You’ll quickly see why parents love The Gardner School for providing a safe and adventurous learning environment for their children.