Family Summer Safety
Family Summer Safety
Summer beacons outdoor play between grandparents and grandkids from water parks and horseback riding to fishing and building sandcastles. Keep the fun in summertime togetherness with the following outdoor activity safety tips.
Amusement Parks
Follow all park rules, including the ride size requirements for younger children. The intense gravitational forces and jerky movements of some rides can strain the neck and joints of both children and older adults, so be sure to take a 15-minute break or so between high-speed rides. Watch for nausea, dizziness and headaches as signs of bodily stress.
Biking
A stable, comfortable bike fitted well for each body size will reduce the risk of falling and injury. (The young grandkids outgrow bikes quickly!) Cruiser or hybrid bikes that put riders in a better upright position are best for seniors. Choose even, smooth bike paths that fit the fitness and skill level of the youngest in your group.
Boating
Essential boating safety includes wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol use and knowing weather forecasts and local conditions. Ensuring all non-swimmers in the family learn to swim before joining boat rides can prove a lifesaving measure.
Camping
Whether you are tent camping or hanging in the RV, always follow basic camping safety. Pack a first aid kit and emergency supplies including a flashlight, knife, map, compass and waterproof fire starter. Apply liberal amounts of insect repellant. Stock up on water and high-energy food. Be aware of how to respond to wildlife encounters and do not leave food, garbage, coolers or cooking equipment in the open.
Swimming
A key to swimming safety is not swallowing chlorinated or natural ocean, river or lake water. Adults are to stay within an arm’s length of little children for quick response in case the children get overwhelmed, scared or disoriented. Every hour, both adults and children are advised to take a bathroom break, reapply sunscreen and rehydrate. Always swim together and in an area with designated lifeguards.
Before beginning any activity, grandparents and grandchildren should review current 9-1-1 and other emergency numbers and have those numbers handy in their smartphones in case of emergency.
What type of fun activities do you plan to do with your grandchildren this summer?
