A Safe Summer Means More Fun for Kids

Experts offer parents common-sense tips to protect children from injury

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SATURDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Following simple safety rules can help protect children from injury while they're having fun this summer, say experts from Safe Kids East Central and the Medical College of Georgia's Children's Medical Center.

Here are some safety guidelines:

• When riding in a vehicle, children age 12 and under should be secured in the back seat in a child safety seat, booster belt or safety belt that's appropriate for their age and size. Children ages 4 to 8, or those weighing more than 40 pounds, should be in a car booster. Children taller than 4 feet 9 inches may use an adult seat belt.
• Teach children never to play in or around parked cars. They should be taught where the trunk release is located. Never leave a child alone inside a car.
• Never let a child under age 10 cross a street alone. Make sure all children know when and where to cross a street. At night, make sure children wear reflective materials. Never let children walk alone at night.
• Always supervise young children around pools, spas, baths and buckets. Children should always wear a personal flotation device when on boats, near open water, and when taking part in water sports.
• Enroll children in swimming lessons with a certified instructor, but don't assume that swimming lessons make children "drown-proof." They still need to be supervised when doing water-related activities.
• Children should always wear proper protective equipment (such as helmets and pads) when using bicycles, scooters, inline skates and skateboards. Teach children the rules of the road.
• Always supervise children at the playground or in the backyard. Make sure they play on a safe surface, such as mulch, rubber or fine sand. Check that playground equipment is in good shape and safe.

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More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers more children's summer safety tips.

-- Robert Preidt