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Warm Weather Worries

Texas Children's Hospital Provides Tips for a Safe Summer

With the start of summer vacation, it's only natural for kids to head for the coolest spot in the neighborhood. Although a dip in the water refreshes both body and spirit, residential pools are the No. 1 site of childhood drownings.

"It's vital that parents and caregivers exercise caution, especially during this busy drowning season," says Dr. Joan Shook, director of the Texas Children's Hospital Emergency Center and associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Shook suggests parents take the following drowning-prevention measures:

• Be sure the pool is enclosed by locked, four-sided isolation fencing and is properly equipped with a pool cover. A phone should be nearby.
• Make sure you and your children learn to swim. By the age of 4, a child should be enrolled in swimming classes.
• Parents should learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Make sure a responsible adult is watching children in or near the water at all times.
• Do not let flotation devices take the place of life preservers.
• Make it a rule not to consume food or drink or chew gum or candy while in the water.
• Do not allow diving in shallow or populated areas of the pool.

The schoolbooks may be put away; however, eye strain actually can increase for youngsters during the summer months. "Kids who spend many hours outdoors are at higher risk for developing problems from UV rays," says Dr. David Coats, chief of the department of ophthalmology at Texas Children's Hospital and assistant professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "Summer is a good time to make wearing sunglasses part of the routine."

Coats recommends taking your child shopping for sunglasses to ensure a comfortable fit for his or her face. Avoid glasses that are trendy but do not provide adequate coverage at all angles.

Check the product tag and look for styles that filter out close to 100 percent of the UV rays. A good pair of shades provides a clear, natural rendition of colors. Buy impact-resistant, polycarbonite styles, and purchase a sturdy storage case to prevent damage when the glasses are not in use. A hat with a wide brim should be worn whenever possible for further sun protection.

Want to see more?

• Don't Leave It to Luck: Learn Infant/Child CPR
• Savvy Sun Sense
• Summer Safety for Toddlers: Make Your Backyard a Danger-Free Zone
• From One Mom to Another: Communicate to Prevent Drownings
• Swimming Safety: Don't Let Summer Fun Turn Tragic
• Talk about it!

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