Water, summer and kids having fun are synonymous. That was true for me when I was young, whether it involved a swimming pool, the ocean or even a big scoop of water ice in my native Philadelphia.
We work at Safe Kids to be parents’ partners so that the job of parent can be the joy we all envision, and less of the stress that it can be at times. We hope the diligence parents need to exercise around water will lower your stress level. Too much of a good thing can be perilous and the difference between fun and tragedy can happen in the snap of fingers or just a few inches of water.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and many families will soon be heading to the beach. Sadly, it’s also the time when many children drown: An estimated 1,000 children fatally drowned in a single year in the U.S., most of them between May and August. In addition, more than 7,000 children are taken to the Emergency Room each year because of a drowning scare.
To many of us, Memorial Day is the official start of summer fun.
It’s a time to remember the people who gave so much for our country, a time to be with family and friends and a time to take a break and have some fun.
Whatever your plans are for this Memorial Day and beyond, here are a few tips to keep your adventures as safe as they are fun.
Even during these challenging times, to many of us, Memorial Day is the official start of summer.
It’s a time to remember the people who gave so much for our country, a time to be with family and friends and a time to take a break and have some fun.
So while you relax and continue to adjust to a “new normal,” remember these tips to keep your family safe this Memorial Day and beyond.
Great question! Making sure kids are wearing the right life jacket is one of the best ways to keep them safe while boating and participating in water activities. Here are a few tips to remember when choosing a life jacket:
For three years, I volunteered as a camp counselor at Lake Arbor Summer Enrichment Camp, a summer camp for children aged 6 through 12. The camp was designed to be an enriching experience for kids, and activities during the day included tennis, swimming lessons, creative writing and chess. We also organized field trips to places and landmarks in Washington, D.C. such as the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space Museum and Frederick Douglass’s house. The campers got a lot out of it, and they showcased it during chess tournaments and talent shows.
School is out and summer is finally in full swing. Whether your plans include backyard barbecues and road trips or bike rides and beach vacations, we’ve got some tips to help parents keep kids safe while they have fun in the sun.
Kendall is a college senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, graduating in May with a bachelors in communications. Kendall loves the water but never learned to swim, something he plans to do later this summer. His other interests include writing, music, art and basketball.
Brandon Bass is a professional basketball player, currently a power forward for the Boston Celtics. At 28, Brandon decided to take swimming lessons for the first time after his son told him he wanted to learn to swim.
Among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 – 4 years old. Learn More »