Category: 4. At Play

​Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Also,

Fireworks Safety​​

• Fireworks can result in severe burns, blindness, scars, and even death.
• Fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can burn users and bystanders.
• Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
• The AAP recommends prohibiting public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or the Internet.​

Bug Safety  

• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• If possible, eliminate stagnant water, such as in bird baths or fish ponds, in your yard. Dump any buckets or tires that may contain standing water. Check that your window screens are tightly fitted and repair any holes to keep bugs out of the house.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
• To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it with a credit card or your fingernail.
• Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied that often.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus and other viruses.
• The current AAP and CDC recommendation for children older than 2 months of age is to use 10% to 30% DEET. DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age.
• The effectiveness is similar for 10% to 30% DEET but the duration of effect varies. Ten percent DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, and 30% protects for about 5 hours. Choose the lowest concentration that will provide the required length of protection.
• The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when they return indoors.
• As an alternative to DEET, picaridin has become available in the U.S. in concentrations of 5% to10%.
• When outside in the evenings or other times when there are a lot of mosquitoes present, cover up with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent bites.
• Children should wear hats to protect against ticks when walking in the woods, high grasses or bushes. Check hair and skin for ticks at the end of the day.

Playground Safety

• The playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches (6 inches for shredded rubber). The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
• Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open “S” hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
• Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
• Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
• Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these. If you see something tied to the playground, remove it or call the playground operator to remove it.
• Make sure your children remove helmets and anything looped around their necks.
• Metal, rubber and plastic products can get very hot in the summer, especially under direct sun.
  • Make sure slides are cool to prevent children’s legs from getting burned.
  • Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground.
• Parents should supervise children on play equipment.
• Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use a home trampoline because of the risk of serious injury even when supervised.
• Surrounding trampoline netting offers a false sense of security and does not prevent many trampoline-related injuries. Most injuries happen on the trampoline, not from falling off.
• If children are jumping on a trampoline, they should be supervised by a responsible adult, and only one child should be on the trampoline at a time; 75% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is jumping at a time.
• Homeowners should verify that their insurance policies cover trampoline-related claims. Coverage is highly variable and a rider may need to be obtained.

Bicycle Safety 

• A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
• Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many injuries happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Set the example: Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
• When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
• A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head and covers the forehead, not tipped forward or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened with about 2 fingers able to fit between chin and strap. The helmet should be snug on the head, but not overly tight. Skin should move with the helmet when moved side to side. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.
• Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike without training wheels until he or she is ready. Consider your child’s coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes. Consider a balance bike with no pedals for young children to learn riding skills.
• Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitted bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to “grow into.” Oversized bikes are especially dangerous. ​
• Your child should ride on the right, facing the same direction as traffic, and should be taught to obey all stop signs and other traffic control devices. Children should never ride at night.

Skateboard, Scooter, In-Line Skating and Heelys Safety

• ​All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear protective gear; helmets are particularly important for preventing and minimizing head injuries. Riders should wear helmets that meet ASTM or other approved safety standards, and that are specifically designed to reduce the effects of skating hazards.
• Communities should continue to develop skateboard parks, which are more likely to be monitored for safety than ramps and jumps constructed by children at home.
• While in-line skating or using Heelys, only skate on designated paths or rinks and not in the street.
• Most injuries occur due to falls. Inexperienced riders should only ride as fast as they can comfortably slow down and maintain control. They should practice falling on grass or other soft surfaces. Before riding, skateboarders should survey the riding terrain for obstacles such as potholes, rocks, or any debris. Protective wrist, elbow and kneepads should be worn.
• Children should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near moving traffic.
• Children should never skate alone. Children under the age of eight should be closely supervised at all times.

All-terrain Vehicles

• Children who are too young to have a driver’s license should not be allowed to operate or ride off-road vehicles. Children are involved in about 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency room-treated injuries.
• Because their nervous systems and judgment have not fully developed, off-road vehicles are particularly dangerous for children younger than 16 years.
• Don’t ride double. Passengers are frequently injured when riding ATVs. Most ATVs are designed to carry only one person: the driver. Passengers can make ATVs unstable and difficult to control.
• All ATV riders should take a hands-on safety training course.
• All riders should wear helmets, eye protection, sturdy shoes (no flip-flops), and protective, reflective clothing. Appropriate helmets are those designed for motorcycle (not bicycle) use, and should include safety visors/face shields for eye protection. Wearing a helmet may prevent or reduce the severity of injuries.
• ATVs lack the common safety equipment found on all cars and trucks that are designed for street use. ATV tires are not designed to grip on pavement, so operators should not ride on paved roads. Parents should never permit nighttime riding or street use of off-road vehicles.
• Flags, reflectors and lights should be used to make vehicles more visible.
• Drivers of recreational vehicles should not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even some prescription medicines. Parents should set an example for their children in this regard.
• Young drivers should be discouraged from on-road riding of any 2-wheeled motorized cycle, even when they are licensed to do so, because they are inherently more dangerous than passenger cars. ​

Lawn Mower Safety

• Only use a mower with a control that stops the mower blade from moving if the handle is let go.
• Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
• Make sure that sturdy shoes are worn while mowing.
• Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
• Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
• Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Keep children out of the yard while mowing.
• Drive up and down slopes, not across to prevent mower rollover.
• Keep guards, shields, switches, and safety devices in proper working order at all times.
• If children must be in the vicinity of running lawnmowers, they should wear polycarbonate protective eye wear at all times.​

​

​​Although skateboarding and in-line skating were once considered extreme sports, they are now both very common activities for children. Skateboarding and in-line skating involve street skating (usin​g public areas such as sidewalks, steps, handrails, and curbs) or skate parks designed specifically for these sports.

With the growing popularity of skateboarding and in-line skating comes a greater number of injuries. However, the risk of injury can be reduced with taking lessons, using safety gear including helmets, and following the rules of the road.

Read on for important information about types of skateboards and skates and how to prevent injuries. Also included is an overview of common skateboarding and in-line skating injuries.

Types of skateboards and skates

Skateboards are a deck or board with 2 sets of wheels attached to the deck by trucks. There are several different types of boards, ranging from long boards to smaller vert or street boards.

Caster boards are 2 decks or boards connected by a beam with a spring in the middle and one wheel attached to each deck by a truck. Rotating the boards back and forth propels the board.

In-line skates, often called roller blades, are roller skates with the wheels in a line as opposed to side by side. This allows for faster speeds and sharper turns. In-line skates can be used for hockey, freestyle skating, racing, fitness training, recreation, aggressive skating, and cross-training for sports such as skiing. There are different skates for each of these uses. (Note: Heelies should be considered skates and not shoes.)

Scooters​​ are a combination of skateboards with a single wheel at the front and back of the board and a handle connected to the front wheel for steering. ​

Injury prevention and safety tips

• Technique. Athletes should learn and practice safe techniques for performing the skills that are integral to their sport. One-third of skateboard injuries happen in the first week of learning the sport. Beginners may find it helpful to take a class to learn the basics, including how to fall properly.
• Equipment. All skaters, no matter how much experience they have, should always wear the proper safety gear.
  • Skates that fit properly. They should be checked regularly to make sure they fit and are in good condition. Wheels should be free of debris and replaced if worn out.
  • Helmets that fit properly and are certified for safety. (Unfortunately most in-line skaters do not wear safety gear, and more than 10,000 in-line skaters suffer from head or face injuries yearly.)
  • Elbow pads, which can reduce injuries by 80%.
  • Knee pads, which can reduce injuries by 30%.
  • Wrist guards, which can reduce injuries by almost 90%.
• Environment. Most young skateboarders are injured on public roads or sidewalks and in parking lots.

Rules of the road for skaters

• Be aware of other skaters, walkers, runners, cyclists, and cars that use the same areas, and use caution when skating around them.
• Skate on the right side of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails. Pass on the left as cars do. Don’t pass without warning, and only when you have enough room to pass safely.
• Avoid skating in the street in crowded areas. Be especially careful when crossing the street. Remember, all traffic rules must be obeyed.
• Watch for changes in trails or street conditions, such as water, potholes, cracks, rocks, or other debris. Do not skate on wet or oily surfaces. When in doubt, slow down.
• Follow skate park rules and don’t skate where it is not allowed. Public places often forbid skating in high-use areas because of the risk of collisions. (Many injuries happen in skate parks, especially in the ramp and bar areas.)
• Before using any trail, make sure you know how to turn, control your speed, and stop.
• Never put more than one person on a skateboard.
• Children younger than 5 years should not ride skateboards. Children aged 6 to 10 years should have close adult supervision when skateboarding.
• “Skitching” (holding on to the side or rear of a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard or in-line skates) should never be done.

Common injuries

Injuries from skating and skateboarding are common and are usually caused by falls and collisions with other objects. Many of these injuries are fractures or sprains to the wrists and ankles. Severe injuries, sometimes fatal, can happen and are often the result of head or chest injuries from a collision with a car.

Ankle injuries

Ankle sprains are a common skateboarding or in-line skating injury and can prevent athletes from being able to skate. Ankle sprains are more likely to happen if an athlete had a previous sprain, especially a recent one.

Treatment begins with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Athletes should see a doctor as soon as possible if they cannot walk on the injured ankle or have severe pain. X-rays may be needed.

Regular icing (20 minutes) helps with pain and swelling. Weight bearing and exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and balance are key factors to getting back to sports. Tape and ankle braces can prevent or reduce the frequency of ankle sprains. Tape and an ankle brace can also support the ankle, enabling an athlete to return to activity more quickly.

Wrist injuries

Wrist injuries often result when athletes fall onto the arms without appropriate protection. Athletes may have pain with use and loss of range of motion.

Treatment begins with RICE. Athletes should see a doctor if their wrists are swollen or painful the next day. X-rays may be needed.

Head injuries

Concussions​ occur if the head or neck hits the ground after collision with another person or object. A concussion is any injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function on a temporary or permanent basis.

The signs and symptoms of a concussion range from subtle to obvious and usually happen right after the injury but may take hours to days to show up. Athletes who have had concussions may report feeling normal before their brain has fully recovered. With most concussions, the player is not knocked out or unconscious.

Prematurely returning to play after a concussion can lead to another concussion or even death. An athlete with a history of concussion is more susceptible to another injury than an athlete with no history of concussion.

All concussions are serious, and all athletes with suspected concussions should not return to play until they see a doctor.

Remember

Skateboarding and in-line skating injuries can be prevented when the athletes use appropriate safety equipment and safety guidelines are followed.

When pediatrician Adiaha Franklin, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, visits with patients, she asks them three questions about bullying:

1. Do you ever see kids picking on other kids?
2. Do kids ever pick on you?
3. Do you ever pick on kids? (And tell the truth; you’re not in trouble.)

Parents can ask their kids these questions, too.

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived difference in power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. The difference can be in size, age, political advantage, economic advantage or social advantage.

Bullying is common, happening every seven seconds to a child in the U.S. It reaches victims in school and online via social media apps and programs like Instagram, SnapChat, WhatsApp, Burn Note, Whisper, Yik Yak and YouTube. Some apps are anonymous or enable messages to disappear after a period of time.

Bullying Signs

Kids who bully often learn the behavior at home. The bully’s parents often are absent, abusive, disengaged or overly involved, according to Dr. Franklin, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Children who live in violent communities also are at risk.

Bullying takes many forms:

• Physical bullying: Victim is touched or hit without consent, or his property is destroyed.
• Verbal bullying: Victim is called names and insulted.
• Cyberbullying: Victim is targeted online, sometimes anonymously and other times via public humiliation (e.g., a video of the victim posted on YouTube without consent).
• Social bullying: Bully tries to destroy a victim’s reputation or relationship with another person or organization.
• Cyber harassment: When an adult bullies a child online.

All forms can cause victims to have physical illness, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Some victims become bullies themselves. Others have suicidal thoughts.

Bullying Prevention

If a child is being bullied or is bullying another, what should be done?

The American Academy of Pediatrics supports raising awareness among children, parents, teachers and school administrators. Messages should reach victims, bullies and bystanders.

Victims are advised to seek help from an adult and peer support. Remember that the bully’s behavior is not the child’s fault.

Bullies should receive counseling to address the issue. Individuals who bully often suffer from depression, have conduct disorders or need support with social skills.

Parents should support their kids with consistent discipline and teach them not to join in. They also can urge schools to talk regularly with students and teachers about bullying and its consequences. An environment where students feel like they belong is more effective than punishment.

​If you have a backyard sandbox, it is important to know the risks and how to keep it safe and clean for your children to enjoy.

Sandbox frames

Sandboxes are safe if constructed and filled with appropriate materials and properly maintained. Sandbox frames should not be made with inexpensive railroad ties. These may cause splinters and may be saturated with creosote, a carcinogen. Nontoxic landscaping timbers or non-wood containers are preferred.

Play sand

In 1986, concern was first expressed that some types of commercially available play sand contained tremolite, a fibrous substance found in some crushed limestone and crushed marble. It was thought that the long-term effects of exposure to tremolite would be identical to those of asbestos. Despite these concerns, however, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) denied a petition prohibiting marketing of play sand containing significant levels of tremolite. The CSPC currently has no standards or labeling requirements regarding the source or content of sand.

How to know if your play sand is safe:

• Buy only natural river sand or beach sand.
• Avoid products made from:
  • Crushed limestone
  • Crushed marble
  • Crushed crystalline silica (quartz)
  • Other products that are obviously dusty
• When there is doubt, parents may send a sample to a laboratory to determine whether the sand contains tremolite or crystalline silica. Information about reliable laboratories can be obtained from the EPA Regional and State Asbestos Coordinators.

Preventing contamination

• Children aren’t the only ones who love the sand…so do insects and animals. Once installed, a sandbox should be covered when it isn’t in use. 
• If sand gets wet, it can harbor bacteria. Make sure to let the sand dry out thoroughly before covering it for the night.
• Sand should be raked regularly to remove debris, clumps, or other foreign material.  
• Do not allow your household pets to play with your child in the sandbox. They may mistake it for the litter box.

​If you are considering adding a backyard swing set or other playground equipment to your home, keep these tips in mind:

• When purchasing home playground equipment, choose a set that is labeled as meeting safety standard ASTM F1148.
• Carefully supervise young children using playground equipment. Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting.
• The surface under playground equipment should be energy absorbent. Use safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (such as shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches.
• Install the protective surface at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
• Swing seats should be made of something soft, not wood or metal.
• Children should not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of moving swings.
• Put home playground equipment together correctly. It should sit on a level surface and be anchored firmly to the ground. You may need help from a professional to install the equipment properly.
• Cap all screws and bolts. Check periodically for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.
• Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.
• Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment, such as those on slides, which could cause burns.
• Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment because children can strangle on them.
• Children should always wear shoes and should not wear helmets or clothing with drawstrings while playing.

​​​Before you harness your child into a zip line at camp or during a family vacation, you might want to ask the operator a few questions about the ride’s safety.

A common attraction at camps, amusement parks and in backyards, zip lines are popular across the U.S. But not every company follows the same safety rules.

Nearly 17,000 zip line injuries were treated in emergency rooms from 1997-2012, and most of those injuries were in the last four years, according to a 2015 study by Gary A. Smith, M.D., Dr.P.H., FAAP, and colleagues at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. About half the injuries involved children under 10 years old. Another 33% involved children ages 10-19 years. The study noted that many zip lines are not regulated, and there are no uniform safety standards.

The increase in the number of zip line injuries in children is “an epidemic by any definition,” according to Dr. Smith, past chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention.

“If kids are using them, you really need to make sure they’re using them in places where people are trained, they know what they’re doing and the zip lines have been constructed in a way that they’re not going to fail,” said Dr. Smith.

Backyard zip line kits sold online and in stores also have been linked to injuries. Earlier this year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled a backyard zip line kit because of a design flaw that made it easy for the cable to separate from the line, causing riders to fall. Riders suffered head injuries and bruises. Another recall was issued in 2014 for backyard zip line trolleys that released unexpectedly. No injuries were reported. Authors of the 2015 study warned against buying and installing backyard zip lines.

The AAP does not have a policy on zip lines and children. However, Dr. Smith suggested the following safety precautions:

• Requiring riders to wear a helmet, harness, and gloves
• Training operators
• Inspecting and maintaining equipment regularly
• Posting rules and requiring participants to follow them

“If done correctly, these and other types of outdoor amusements that are there for the thrill … can be done in a safe enough way that it’s reasonable for children to use them,” Dr. Smith said.

As your child outgrows babyhood, they will be ready to learn how to ride a tricycle. A tricycle provides lots of fun and exercise but also some new hazards. For example, a child on a tricycle is so low to the ground that they can’t be seen by a motorist who is backing up. But riding trikes and bikes is almost an essential part of growing up, so read on for ways to keep your child pedaling safely.

5 tips to help keep your child injury-free while riding a tricycle:

1. Be ready. Don’t get a tricycle until your child is physically able to handle it. Most children are ready around age 3.
2. Go low. Look for a tricycle that is built low to the ground and has big wheels. This type is safer because it is less likely to tip over.
3. Helmet up. Get a well fitting bicycle helmet, and teach your child to wear it for every time. The helmet’s label should say it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The chin strap should fit snugly under your child’s chin, and there should not be much movement over their forehead when strapped properly.
4. Cover those toes. Make sure your child wears closed-toe shoes to protect their toes and feet when on a tricycle or bike.
5. Find a safe area. Don’t allow your child to ride near automobiles, driveways, or swimming pools. Tricycles should be used only in protected places.

Swimming pools can have a powerful pull on little children―even when it’s not swimming time. Those glistening turquoise-blue ripples may look especially inviting to an active toddler or an overly confident preschooler.

Kids can slip away from the watchful eyes of adults in seconds. It happens every day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends several ways parents can help keep children safe around home swimming pools and hot tubs―all year long―in your own backyard, your neighbor’s, or on vacation.

Fact: Most drownings in kids 4 and under happen in home swimming pools.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) studied drownings among children age 4 and under in Arizona, California, and Florida, where pools are especially common. It found that nearly 70% of the children were not expected to be at or in the pool, yet they were found in the water. In fact, 46% of the children were last seen in the house.

Pool fences. Safety precautions not to ignore.

Pool fences are for above-ground pools that are portable as well as those that are permanent, inground pools, and hot tubs.

Between 2013 and 2015, most (58%) drownings among children age 4 and under took place in a pool or spa at their own home. Most children drowned when they wander out of the house and fell into a swimming pool that was not fenced off from the house. They slipped out a door, climbed out a window, or even crawled through a doggy door to access the pool.

But, a family swimming pool isn’t the only one a child can get into unnoticed. More than a quarter (27%) of drownings among children age 4 and under took place at the home of a friend, relative or neighbor. Only some individual states and municipalities have laws requiring pool safety fences; there is no national pool fence law. Whenever your child will be in someone else’s home, always check for ways your child could access pools and other potential hazards.

Fact: Fences are the most effective, proven way to prevent drowning of young children.

Pool fencing recommendations:

• 4 feet, 4 sides. The pool fence should be at least 4 feet high and completely surround the pool, separating it from the house and the rest of the yard.
• Climb-proof. The fence shouldn’t have any footholds, handholds, or objects such as lawn furniture or play equipment the child could use to climb over the fence. Chain-link fences are very easy to climb and are not recommended as pool fences. (If they are used, make sure openings are 1¾ inches or smaller in size).
• Slat space. To ensure a small child can’t squeeze through the fence, make sure vertical slats have no more than 4 inches of space between them. This will also help keep small pets safe, too.
• Latch height. The fence should have a self-closing and self-latching gate that only opens out, away from the pool area. The latch should be out of a child’s reach—at least 54 inches from the ground.
• Gate locked, toy-free. When the pool is not in use, make sure the gate is locked. Keep toys out of the pool area when it is not in use.

Alarms. A child drowning is rarely heard.

Beyond a fence, additional layers of protection such as pool alarms, door and gate alarms, and pool covers can provide some added safety around a pool. Make sure alarms are in good shape with fresh batteries, and keep in mind none are substitutes for a properly installed pool fence.

Drowning is silent. Alarms break that silence.

• Pool alarms. Children can drown within seconds, with barely a splash. Swimming pool alarms can detect waves on the water’s surface and sound off to attract attention when someone has fallen into the pool.
• Consider alarms on the pool fence gate and house doors. Door and gate alarms can be equipped with touchpads to let adults pass through without setting them off. House doors should be locked if a child could get to the pool through them.
• Window guards. These can be especially helpful for windows on the house that face the pool.

A word on pool covers:Pool covers should cover the entire pool securely enough that a child can’t slip under them. Make sure no standing water collects on top—children can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Power-operated covers are often the safest and easiest to use. Remember: Floating solar and winter covers are not safety covers and can actually increase drowning risk. Because a floating cover makes the pool surface appear solid, a small child might try to retrieve a ball or other light toy that landed on it and quickly slip underneath—often trapped and hidden from view.

What Else Can Parents Do?

Even with safety measures in place, parents should be prepared in case that their child gets into a swimming pool unseen.

Some precautions that may help:

• Assign a water watcher. His or her job is to watch all children swimming or playing in or NEAR water―such as on a backyard swing set―even if they know how to swim. This person should:
  • not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • put down his or her cell phone
  • avoid other activies
  • supervise even if there are lifeguards
  • switch off with another adult for breaks
• Life jackets: Put your child in a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved life jacket when around or near water, such as when visiting a home with a pool.
• Swim lessons. The AAP recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1.
• CPR training. Parents, caregivers, and pool owners should know CPR and how to get emergency help. Keep equipment approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, such as life preservers and life jackets at poolside.
• Check the water first. If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first. This is especially important if your child is prone to wandering.
• Spread the word. Share this article on social media and with family, friends, and neighbors.

Chances are wherever you live the weather is probably subject to change at a moment’s notice—especially during the spring and summer months. Thunderstorms and lightning can occur with little warning. If your child is playing or practicing in less than ideal weather conditions, you need to be aware of the possible hazards and have a plan worked out ahead of time.

Basic Lightning Facts & Stats

• It does not have to be raining for lightning to strike.
• All thunderstorms produce lightning. If you can hear thunder, the storm is close enough for lightning to strike.
• Lightning strikes can cause death or permanent disability. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), more than 400 people in the United States are struck by lightning each year, resulting in an average of 49 deaths.
• The NWS reported that 17% of lightning deaths between 2006 and 2013 occurred during outdoor sports or recreational activities. These sports include soccer, golf, running, baseball, and football, in rank order. The greatest number of fatalities occurred in the 10 to 19-year-old and 20 to 29-year-old age groups. Many victims were either headed to safety or just steps away from safety at the time of a fatal lightning strike. Therefore, taking action before the threat is upon you is key!  

Lightning & Sports Safety Tips from the AAP

While our message of getting outside, enjoying nature and promoting physical activity remains unwavering, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, Baseball and Softball, advises all coaches and officials to be aware of extreme weather conditions—including lightning—and to postpone or cancel games if conditions worsen and players are at risk.  This same message applies to all organized sports, as well as to all recreational outdoor activities.

Use and follow these recommendations to help prevent lightning injuries during sporting events and outdoor activities:

• Prior to any practice or activity, the person in charge should check the local weather forecasts. Be aware of whether or not the NWS has issued a thunderstorm “watch” or “warning.” A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in an area; a “warning” means severe weather has been reported in the area and for everyone to take proper precautions. Activities should be delayed if a thunderstorm is approaching before or during a practice or a game.
• Recognize the signs of a coming storm. Although lightning can strike without warning, when a thunderstorm is on the way, clouds may darken, winds may pick up, and there may be thunder activity. Pay close attention to these signs and any issued warnings.
• Be sure your child understands the dangers of lightning and the policy that his or her coach needs to follow. If the coach doesn’t follow the policy, as a parent, it’s time to step in and remove your child from the field. Safety is the most important thing!
• Be prepared and have established protocols for lightning incorporated into your school or league’s Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). Develop and practice lightning strike prevention and treatment protocols as part of your EAP.
  • Designate a “weather watcher” and a clear chain of command to monitor and respond to severe weather.
  • In the event of impending thunderstorms, those in control of the event/venue should cancel the event, warn participants and spectators of the lightning danger, and specifically instruct on the proper procedure for evacuation.
  • The timeframe for evacuation depends on how fast the storm is approaching and the layout of the venue (the timeframe needed for everyone to seek safe shelter).  Generally, a lightning strike within 6 to 8 miles of the venue calls for evacuation.

• Follow the 30/30 rule. Familiarize yourself with the flash-to-bang count to determine when to seek shelter. Begin counting when you see a flash of lightning. Stop counting when you hear thunder. Your child should be inside a safe shelter before you reach a count of 30. Dividing this number by five will determine the distance (in miles) to the lightning flash. If the activity has been delayed, wait at least 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash before your child resumes activity.
• Make sure a safe shelter has been designated. Trees, flagpoles/light poles, tents, bleachers, dugouts, storage sheds, and open garages are not safe shelters! In fact, there are very few safe places outdoors when thunderstorms are in the area. The safest shelters are structures with four solid walls, and electrical and telephone wiring. If no safe shelter is available, your child should take shelter in a hardtop vehicle; don’t touch the radio dial or the door handles—especially if they are metal.
• Specifically avoid standing water and open fields. If you are in an open field, avoid being the highest point, in contact with, or near the highest point in the field.
• If you feel your skin tingling, you are in more immediate danger. Assume the lightning safe position. This means crouching on the ground with your weight on the balls of your feet, your feet together, your head lowered, and your ears covered.
• Even if you are indoors, stay away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and electrical outlets. During a lightning storm, electric currents can run through these objects and “jump” onto a person—even inside a safe shelter. In addition, your child should never be permitted to swim during a lightning storm.
• Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio and download the CoachSmart App. CoachSmart, a collaboration between Vanderbilt Sports Medicine and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, offers real-time information based on a user’s GPS location on heat index and lightning strikes. The app also includes sports medicine and safety FAQs and a group contact feature. Coaches, trainers, and field managers who are responsible for several locations will find this CoachSmart incredibly useful! Find CoachSmart on iTunes.
• Check out other weather apps and resources. There are several free weather apps that may downloaded and used for live-time, verified information. Some examples include the WeatherBug® app,  Storm by Weather Underground, and or the NOAA Weather Radar app. Parents, coaches, and spectators, as well as the designated “weather watcher,” can utilize these apps to make objective recommendations whether there is need to cancel the activity and seek shelter.
• If someone is struck by lightning, get the victim emergency help immediately and move him or her to a safe place. Contrary to what you may have heard, lightning can strike the same place twice. Initiate the chain of survival (call 911, begin CPR, apply AED). People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle.
• Remember that thunderstorms and lightning aren’t the only weather hazards. Extreme heat can be almost as dangerous by posing an unnecessarily high risk of heat illness, such as heat stroke, so your child’s team needs to establish a policy on cancelling or modifying practices or games if the heat index is too high.

Important note: Cell phones and/or email can transmit notifications to parents and families, but they should only supplement the other safety procedures listed above.  

​​If your family enjoys boating, sailing, canoeing and kayaking on lakes, rivers and streams, be sure your kids wear the correct life jackets. If you do, they will be able to take part in these activities more safely.

Many children and adolescents think life jackets and life preservers are hot, bulky and ugly. This is no longer necessarily true. Newer models look better, feel better and provide increased protection.

Life preservers and life jackets are required by many states and must be present on all boats traveling on bodies of water supervised by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Kids’ life jackets & life preservers

Choose from the following personal flotation devices (PFDs) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Child PFD approvals are based on the child’s weight. Check the user weight on the label.

Types of life jackets

• TYPE 1: This type of life jacket floats the best. It is designed to turn most people who are unconscious in the water from the face-down position to an upright and slightly backward position. This jacket helps the person to stay in that position for a long time. It is for use in open water and oceans. It is available in only 2 sizes: 1 size for adults more than 90 pounds and 1 size for children less than 90 pounds.
• TYPE 2: This jacket can turn a person upright and slightly backward, but not as much as the Type 1 jacket does. It may not always help an unconscious person to float face up. It is comfortable and comes in many sizes for children.
• TYPE 3: This jacket is designed for conscious users in calm, inland water. It is very comfortable and comes in many styles. This life jacket is often used for water sports and should be used only when it is expected that the rescue can be done quickly. The US Coast Guard has approved a puddle jumper that can be worn in place of a Type 3 life jacket in calm, shallow waters.

Life preservers

• TYPE 4: A life preserver is a cushion or ring and is not worn. It is designed to be used in 2 ways. It can be grasped and held until the person is rescued, or it can be thrown to someone in the water until they are rescued. It is not a toy and should only be used in a rescue situation. Check the label on the life preserver to be sure it meets U.S. Coast Guard or state regulations.

Use only life jackets and life preservers that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. If they are, they will have a label that says so. Life jackets and life preservers are labeled by type (1, 2, 3 or 4) and for whom they are designed (child or adult).

Life jacket safety tips

• Your children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.
• Teach your child how to put on their own life jacket.
• Make sure your child is comfortable wearing a life jacket and knows how to use it.
• Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps fastened.
• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers. They are not safe. Puddle jumpers may be safe to use: look for a label stating that it is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection and to set a good example.

Remember

Unless your children and teenagers wear or use life jackets and life preservers, they are not protected. Also remember that life jackets and life preservers should never be substitutes for adult supervision.