4 Summer Safety Tips for Preventing Child Injuries

Child Injuries: 4 Summer Safety Tips for Preventing Child Injuries

As school winds down for the summer, children have the opportunity to engage in fun summer activities, such as biking, swimming, camping, and many others. Unfortunately, the summer months are also some of the most dangerous, with July posing the highest fatality rate in 2020. Ensure that your child adheres to a few summer safety tips to prevent any potential injuries to enjoy a safe, fun summer.

At Hilliard Law, we are seasoned trial lawyers and passionate advocates for our clients and their children. If your child has been substantially injured due to negligence, we are experienced in these cases, and we can help. Speak to a child injury lawyer today during a free consultation for legal guidance surrounding your claim.

4 Summer Safety Tips for Preventing Child Injuries

It is essential to emphasize the importance of safety when your child is engaging in any activity that may lead to injury. The following are four summer safety tips that may prevent child injuries this summer:

1. Use Caution When Swimming

Swimming can be a fun, relaxing activity for children during the summer. However, due to their vulnerability, it can be one of the most dangerous activities due to drowning. Every year in the US, there are 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings, which averages to 11 fatalities per day.

Consider the following tips when children are near or in any large body of water to mitigate the risk of drowning:

Following all pool rules is of the utmost importance. Do not allow children to run, dive in the shallow end, or horseplay near the pool area.
Adult supervision is required to respond to potential emergency situations like injuries or drowning.
If you are boating, ensure that you and your children are wearing life jackets at all times.
To prevent recreational water illnesses, take children on frequent bathroom breaks to prevent any germs or bacteria from contaminating the pool.

Using caution when playing in the pool may prevent injuries and fatalities in children. Always remain alert when they are in or near water. Drowning injuries are serious and may result in brain damage or long-term disability.

2. Practice Sun Safety

Sun safety may be overlooked when enjoying the hot summer weather, but having consistent sunburns during the duration of the summer can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.

The following are summer sun safety tips that may help prevent sun damage in children:

The sun is strongest around midday, so it may be best to plan indoor activities during that time. When you find yourself outdoors during that time, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or pop-up tents for protection from the sun.
Whenever possible, consider dressing your child in long sleeve shirts, long pants, or a hat to provide extra coverage from the sun.
The eyes are sensitive to UV rays, so wearing sunglasses outdoors can help block out some of the harmful rays.
Anytime you anticipate going outdoors, apply sunscreen generously at least 30 minutes before heading out.

To avoid painful sunburns, blistering, or skin damage, be prepared before allowing your child to play outdoors for an extended period of time.

3. Wear Protective Gear When Appropriate

During sports activities or any other type of physical activity, wearing protective gear is essential for the protection of the head and other areas of the body affected by a sports injury. Protective gear that may be helpful includes:

Mouthguards
Knee pads, elbow pads
Shin guards
Cleats
Helmets
Protective eyeglasses
Gloves

Gear can mean the difference between a mild injury and a broken bone or concussion. When activities may have physical contact that may lead to injury, it is best to protect your child with protective gear.

4. Be Vigilant on the Playground

Always read playground rules and advisories. Some playground equipment has an age restriction and may be dangerous for children not old enough to use it. Ensure that all playground equipment is not broken or missing parts and remove any tripping hazards.

How the Child Injury Lawyers at Hilliard Law Can Help

The Hilliard Law, child injury attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities and severe consequences that may result from a child injury. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a child injury accident can take on a family and are invested in fighting for the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses and future needs for recovery.

If your child has been a victim of one of the following accidents, let us help you:

Daycare neglect/injury
ATV/golf cart accidents
Swimming pools and hot tubs (non-fatal drowning)
Vehicle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Falls
Bicycle crashes
Trampoline accidents
Skating and skateboarding accidents
Amusement Park ride failures
Dog attacks

At Hilliard Law, we use our extensive resources and knowledge to develop a strong case on your behalf to obtain compensation for your significant losses. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

Speak with an Experienced Child Injury Lawyer at Hilliard Law Today

While injuries are not always avoidable, exercising summer safety may help minimize the risks of enjoying fun recreational activities. If your child has been substantially injured in an accident due to another individual’s negligence, the child injury attorneys at Hilliard Law are here to help you obtain the justice you deserve.

Attorney Robert Hilliard has over 35 years of experience practicing law in the state of Texas and has gained national recognition through his work on many high-profile cases and in awards such as The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. Call us today for a no-cost consultation of your claim at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form.