B.C. health experts share essential summer safety tips to protect kids from window falls, heat, and water risks. Stay vigilant and keep your children safe!
Essential Summer Safety Tips for Kids from B.C. Health Experts
As summer heats up across British Columbia, health professionals from BC Children’s Hospital and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) are urging parents to take extra precautions to keep their children safe during the sunny months. While warm weather invites outdoor fun, it also brings hidden dangers that parents need to be aware of.
Preventing Window and Balcony Falls: A Hidden Danger
Every year, emergency rooms see children injured from falls off windows or balconies. Last year alone, 15 children were treated after such accidents. Christy Hay, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at BC Children’s Hospital, emphasizes the importance of vigilance:
“No parent or carer ever expects their child to be a victim of an injury related to warm weather, which are often devastating for everyone involved.”
To reduce risks, parents should:
- Move furniture, planters, or any climbable objects away from windows and balconies.
- Install window locks even if screens are already in place. Screens are designed to keep bugs out—not children in, warns Brian Twaites from BCEHS.
Staying Safe in the Sun: Hydration and Protection Are Key
When enjoying outdoor activities, keeping kids hydrated and protected from UV rays is crucial. Experts recommend:
- Regular water breaks to prevent dehydration.
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen generously and frequently.
- Dressing children in UV-protective clothing to shield their skin from harmful rays.
Water Safety: Never Let Your Guard Down
Water-related activities are a summer staple, but they require constant supervision. Brian Twaites stresses the importance of:
- Ensuring lifejackets or floatation devices fit properly.
- Never assuming a child can swim, regardless of age or experience.
- Keeping children within arm’s reach near any body of water for “touch coverage” — always being physically close enough to intervene immediately.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a wonderful time for children to explore and enjoy the outdoors, but it comes with safety challenges that parents must take seriously. By following these expert tips from B.C. health professionals, families can create a safer environment and enjoy a worry-free summer.
Stay alert, stay prepared, and make safety your top priority this season
