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Summer Safety
Kathy Gates, BSN RN
Child Care Health Consultant
After months of cold, snowy weather, we are looking forward to the warm, sunny days of Summer.
Kids want to be outdoors, and they need to be outdoors. According to healthychildren.org, a division of the American Academy of Pediatrics, playing outside provides healthy benefits. Some of these are:
- Physically healthier
- More engaged in learning
- More positive in behavior
- Mentally healthier.
With careful planning, childcare professionals can ensure that the children entrusted to their care can enjoy the outdoors safely. Let us look at some areas to consider when planning your outdoor activities.
Sun Protection
It is important to take steps to reduce exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. UV rays are strongest between 10:00AM and 4:00 PM. Take steps to limit sun exposure during these hours. Sunscreen can help protect the skin from these harmful rays. Remember to have written parental permission for each child prior to using sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended because it is more effective on both types of harmful sun rays (UVB and UVA). The sunscreen needs to be at least 15 SPF to protect against the harmful rays. Apply sunscreen to the exposed areas 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Sunscreen may need to be reapplied every 2 hours if the child has played in water or experienced sweating. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants younger than 6 months of age. Infants should be kept out of direct sunlight. A shade tree or some type of covering should be used. A shady area should be available for all children. Children should take breaks from the direct sun at frequent intervals. Encourage parents to send brimmed hats and sunglasses as appropriate.
Hydration
Water should always be available during active physical play. It is important to schedule frequent water breaks for all children. Sugary drinks including fruit juice are not effective in preventing dehydration and should be avoided. Water is best for staying hydrated.
Weather Watching
Childcare professionals must monitor weather conditions to determine when it is safe to be outdoors. Temperatures, including the heat index, should be monitored. Plan fun and safe indoor activities when weather conditions prevent outdoor play. The air quality should also be monitored. Poor air quality can be very unhealthy for sensitive children, especially those diagnosed with reactive airway disease or asthma.
At the end of this article, you will find links to helpful resources regarding weather watching.
Playground Safety
Playgrounds should be developmentally appropriate. Best practice is to have a separate playground for younger children or at least an area in the playground with equipment that is best suited for their size and abilities. The playground and equipment should be monitored daily. Prior to children going outdoors, a staff member should walk the perimeter of the grounds looking for any hidden dangers. Be aware of items that have been thrown onto the play area such as glass items, cigarette butts, food, trash, or drug paraphernalia. Keep all playground equipment in good working order and remove from the area or repair quickly any item that could be a safety hazard. Also remember playground equipment can become extremely hot in the summer resulting in serious burns. Please monitor the temperature of the equipment. Finally, a high number of playground injuries are from inadequate playground surfacing. Installing proper surfacing under and around the playground equipment can reduce the number of serious injuries such as fractures and head injuries.
Water hazards
Children love playing in water; however, it is important to remember that drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 5. An adult should be within arm’s reach of any child that is in or near the water. Babies and young children can drown in as little as two inches of water. Be sure to empty any standing water including water buckets.
Active Supervision
Actively supervising ALL children at ALL times is the best way to ensure the safety of the children. It is imperative that teachers are actively engaged in observation of the children. This includes in the classroom, on the playground, while on a field trip, or when transporting children. Head counts should be conducted frequently. Observe any unsafe behavior, safety hazards, or any threats to a child’s safety. Make certain you can observe children no matter where they are located. There should be no hidden areas in your playground. If you oversee children while on a field trip, be aware of people near you and the children. Do not allow children to go to a public restroom alone. A staff member should enter the restroom first to be certain there are no dangers lurking inside. Teach the children to stay together, listen to and follow instructions. Teachers should not be distracted by things such as cell phones or conversations with other adults. Teachers are encouraged to engage in play with the children. Enjoy the outdoors- go on a nature walk, have a nature scavenger hunt, start a nature collection. The time engaged in the fresh air and outdoor activities can be enjoyed by all. Have a fun and safe summer!
Resources
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