Summer safety so important

 

 

Plunket is encouraging families to keep an eye on the kids while they make the most of the summer holidays.

“Summer is all about fun, family, friends and hopefully some sunshine,” says Plunket National Advisor on Child Safety, Sue Campbell. “But it’s also a time when sunburn and accidents are all too common.”

Children are most at risk in and around cars.

Children are often travelling with different family or friends so it’s important their car seats travel with them.

Don’t leave your child in a stationery car, even for a short time, as they can quickly overheat in a hot car and this can be fatal.”

Safekids Aotearoa figures show that each year about 5 children die as a result of driveway accidents and a further 26 need hospital care.

“Always know where the kids are before getting in the car. Supervise children around vehicles, and check for children before driving off.”

Plunket highlighted the need to keep an eye on children around water.

Water Safety reports that in 2014, 6 children under 5 years old drowned, none were directly supervised at the time of drowning.

This year so far 2 children under 5 years old have drowned.

“It’s really important to keep children within arm’s reach whenever you are at the beach, down by the river or near a pool – if you can’t grab them you can’t save them. At big family gatherings, people often put someone in charge of watching children swimming or playing in the water and this is a really good idea.”

While outside, remember the slip, slap, slop and wrap message. Slip into some shade and some cool cover-up clothes, slop on the sunscreen, slap on a hat and don’t forget the sunglasses.

Burns aren’t just caused by the sun. Watch out for the children while you are barbecuing or enjoying a bonfire.

If you have lots of visitors staying, it also pays to check your smoke alarms are working and make sure everyone knows how to escape if there is a fire or other emergency.