Make Summer Fun and Safe!
Summer offers countless opportunities for teens, from travel and water activities to longer days (and nights) spent with friends and family. However, it’s easy to get caught up in fun and overlook safety. Taking time to review summer safety tips can help prevent injuries and illnesses, ensuring that both teens and parents can make the most of the season.
Teen Driving:
Teen Driving: Teens find themselves driving more frequently and in different patterns than during the school year. They may be going to work, hanging out with friends, heading to sports practices, or vacationing.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. Choose music before starting out! Set the GPS if needed, and try to avoid making adjustments en route. Adjust phone settings to avoid text notifications while driving.
- Limit the number of passengers. Depending on the state you live in, there may already be laws about this for teen drivers. Require EVERYONE to wear a seat belt!
- Establish curfews for driving. Days are longer, so kids may be out later, but have a plan for nighttime driving. Keeping in mind that driving while tired after a long day puts teens at risk for accidents.
- Do not drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking. It is simply not worth the risk. Help the teens (and adults) in your life set up a Lyft or Uber account and always have safe contact in case of emergency.
Water Safety:
Pools, beaches, and lakes are such a welcome relief in the hot summer months, but make sure kids know their limits and have a safety plan around water.
- Make sure someone is always paying attention to the group. Often there is the assumption that someone is watching, when in fact nobody may be paying attention.
- Use Coast Guard approved life jackets when in large bodies of water or boating. There is no shame in using a flotation device!
- Avoid alcohol or other substances when swimming and boating.
Heat and Sun Exposure:
This is looking to be another record-breaking hot summer! Sunburn and heat illness can come on fast. Be prepared so that you can enjoy the day.
- Hydrate regularly throughout the day! Dehydration can present as headaches, nausea, fatigue, or irritability.
- Take breaks from the sun in the hottest part of the day. Plan activities earlier in the day, or later in the afternoon, using the midday as a break to be under cover or inside.
- Wear sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF! Apply 30 minutes before heading out, and reapply every 2 hours while outside, more often if in and out of water or sweating. Don’t forget face, hair and lips!
- Adolescents should drink at least 8 oz. of water per hour when outside.
Bike and Scooter Safety:
E-Bikes seem to be all the rage in Charlotte these days, and older kids/teens may forget the rules of riding as they get older and more confident. Neighborhoods can be just as dangerous as larger roads, so remember to stay alert!
- Always wear a helmet! Teens may want a different style, or to decorate theirs with stickers to make it cooler.
- Use lights or reflective tape if riding at night.
- Do not use headphones, ear buds or cell phone when on a bike or scooter! All attention needs to be focused on the road.
Backyard Safety:
Summer means parties and celebrations! Graduations, summer holidays, and long weekends present so many opportunities for fun, and open the door for conversations about safety.
- Grills and firepits remain hot even when they are no longer in use. Make sure everyone knows what to stay away from.
- Keep foods refrigerated or in coolers when hosting outside gatherings. In general, food should not be out for more than an hour in 90 degree heat to prevent bacterial growth that can lead to food borne illness.
- Keep fireworks and lighters out of reach of children, and always use them under supervision. Maintain a safe distance from active fireworks, opting to attend professional displays if possible. Sparklers need to be placed in a bucket of water after use.
Post written by: Christie Dehoff, FNP-C, Teen Health Connection Nurse Practitioner.
