HEALTHY HABITS
SAFETY
Summer Survival Guide There’s more to summer than fun in the sun. Ensure your children are safe with these tips from Lorrie Lynn , manager of the Injury Prevention Center at Rady Children’s and coordinator of Safe Kids San Diego.
Although it’s not a fan favorite, sunscreen or sunblock is vital for anyone living in San Diego, especially children. And it’s important to read the label to know what you’re applying to your child’s skin. Typically, any sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 50 is a safe bet. But whatever the number, you’ll still need to apply regularly, since no sunblock or sunscreen will last all day. “Reapply any time a kid gets in the water then out, because the water will wash away the sunscreen,” Lynn says. “Even if your child isn’t in the water, but is sweating, reapply. I typically recommend reapplying every hour to make sure kids are protected.” Other ways parents and supervising adults can keep children protected from the powerful California sun include wearing hats and lightweight, long- sleeved shirts. And while we’re on the topic of water, remind kids to hydrate. “It’s a good lesson to teach your kids to stop to drink water,” Lynn says. “Hydration is also important when you’re going in and out of the pools because water play causes dehydration.” SUN SAFETY 101
Splash Safely
watch. It’s always important to have a responsible adult watching the children.” For pool play, basic water competency is a must. Make sure your child knows how to float, locate the exit and swim at least 25 yards. For children who don’t yet have those skills, outfit them with a Coast Guard–approved life vest rather than just water wings. When it comes to ocean water, these skills are essential, and Lynn recommends also staying near a lifeguard station and asking about the swimming conditions. “You can always ask the lifeguard if there is anything you should be aware of,” she says. Other tips include having a plan in place if an incident occurs, knowing CPR and having a cell phone handy in case you need to call 911.
DROWNING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH among San Diego County children ages 14 and under, and children who survive a non-fatal drowning can face lifelong injuries. These facts are proof positive that it’s imperative to always keep a close watch on your kids—no matter their age or competency level in the water. So what’s the best way to keep your kids safe during water play? “I recommend assigning someone to watch, using the Water Watcher tag,” Lynn says. “Always have an adult responsible for keeping an eye on the kids. That adult can then hand the Water Watcher tag to another adult to keep
Get your Water Watcher tag at a local San Diego County fire station or the Prevent Drowning Foundation.
6 HEALTHY KIDS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022
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