Seven Summer Safety Tips From Shriners Children's

Participating in sports, or in any recreational activity, is important to living a healthy and physically active lifestyle. But with any kind of physical activity, there is a risk for injuries.

According to Shriners Children’s specialists, summer is known as “trauma season” because injuries increase dramatically among children during these months.

“Summertime activities that typically result in orthopedic injuries are all of the usual suspects: sports, biking, skating, rollerblading, ATVs and, of course, playground equipment,” said Shriners Children’s Spokane pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jacob Carl, M.D.

Fezzy the Bear on a playground sliding board

Fezzy practices safe playground activities.

Preventable accidents related to lawnmowers, fireworks, campfires and fire pits, swimming and boating are also some of the potentially life-altering childhood injuries that can occur during this time of year.

Fractures are common in children and represent a significant proportion of pediatric emergency department visits in the United States. Children between 10 and 14 years of age have the highest risk of fractures.

"Sports injuries to the upper and lower extremities, including overuse and ligament injuries, tend to increase in frequency as well,” said Dr. Carl.

Shriners Children’s urges parents and caregivers to remind kids of these simple precautions to keep them injury-free this summer:

  1. At the playground, slide feet first and swing sitting down.
  2. Keep children inside when lawn mowers are in use.
  3. Keep several feet away from fire pits, campfires or grills.
  4. Only swim with an adult present and wear a lifejacket on open water.
  5. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
  6. Wear the proper equipment for your activity.
  7. Stay hydrated! Bring water with you or ensure you have easy access to water.

Shriners Children's has a team of highly-trained physicians and specialists trained to treat growing children.

“Some injuries may require close monitoring of your child’s growth after the injury to help prevent deformities from developing,” added Dr. Carl. “Shriners Children’s Spokane can make your child’s experience less traumatic with the help of our child life specialists, pediatric nurses and therapists.”

Contact Shriners Children’s to learn about individualized, specialty pediatric care. All treatment and services are provided regardless of families’ ability to pay.

Summer Safety Tips 2022

A successful summer break for children starts with safety. From grills, playgrounds to lawn mowers and pools, Shriners Children’s outlines some simple tips to sail into a safe summer!
View Transcript

{Music}

Opening Screen: Summer Safety Tips, Shriners Children’s logo

Second Screen: video of meat cooking on a grill

   Grill Safety

            Don’t…

  • Leave grill unattended.
  • Use a grill indoors.
  • Turn on the gas while lid is closed.

Do…

  • Keep grill at least 10 feet away from home.
  • Keep fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Check for gas leaks.
  • Clean your grill regularly.

Third Screen: child on sliding board

   Slide into Playground Safety

  • Children should go down feet first on slides.
  • Children should swing sitting down.
  • Always supervise children.
  • Make sure there are guardrails to prevent falls.

Fourth Screen: child on playground equipment

  • Look out for things in the play area that can cause trips or falls.
  • Use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age.
  • Check playground for soft material like wood chips, sand or mulch.

Fifth Screen: image of lawnmower

  • Children should be 12 years or older to use a push mower and 16 or older to drive a riding mower.
  • Never allow a child to ride as a passenger on lawnmower.
  • Wear long pants, gloves, goggles and closed-toe shoes.

Sixth Screen: child near a dock

   Swimming Safety

  • Learn proper swimming and safety skills.
  • Swim with a buddy.
  • Wear a life jacket
  • Be aware of ocean currents.
  • Use sunscreen and reapply often.

Final Screen: Shriners Children’s logo

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