The Power of Outside – Summer Safety
Summer is here and increasingly, our Pacific Northwest weather is catching up with the idea. It’s time to take advantage and get outside! All July we’ll be talking about “The Power of Outside” with tips for getting the kids into the great outdoors, playground reviews, hiking suggestions, and more. But we want to make sure all our adventures are safe, so we’re kicking things off with some basic Summer Safety tips.
Sun Sense
While we know there are many benefits to being in the sun, it’s important to protect your skin from UV exposure through simple sun-smart behaviors. The best rule of thumb is to follow the 5 S’s: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide.
Slip on a long-sleeved shirt or sun-protective clothing
Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater, and re-apply every two hours
Slap on a hat, the wider the brim the better
Seek shade or shelter during peak sun exposure times, generally from 10 am to 4 pm
Slide on UV-protective sunglasses to protect the eyes
As caregivers, it can be easy to get caught up in making sure your kids are properly protected, but the 5 S’s go for adults too. Not only does your skin need protection, but you are also modeling healthy sun safety for your children.
And remember – a slightly overcast day can be deceiving. Ultraviolet rays are strong enough to penetrate through cloud cover, so the 5 S’s still apply!
Water Safety
What better way to cool off than an afternoon of swimming? But whether you seek refreshment in a pool, lake, river, or ocean, water safety is a must. It only takes seconds for a person to drown and sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the United States.
The American Red Cross has been working for water safety for over 100 years and offers key points for their Circle of Drowning Prevention:
- Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Don’t get distracted by books or cell phones.
- Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing.
- Learn swimming and water safety survival skills.
- Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Always swim in a lifeguarded area
Additional considerations for Lakes and Rivers:
The Snoqualmie Valley is home to beautiful lakes and rivers, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. But sadly, we have already experienced at least one drowning this year as well as numerous emergency rescues. Please consider these extra precautions:
- Our rivers are running high and fast with strong currents. Life jackets, vigilance, and sobriety are a must.
- Enter shallow or unknown water feet first
- Be aware of other activities taking place in the same body of water – tubing, kayaking, boating, etc.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions or unexpected changes in air and water temperature. In these early summer months, the water is very cold!
- Only dive where it’s marked clearly as a safe area for diving
- When standing or walking, be aware of underwater currents or sudden drop-offs that change the water depth
- Be aware of objects in the water such as rocks, branches, and debris.
Additional tips for all bodies of water:
- Teach children to always ask permission to go in or near the water
- Swim with a buddy!
We encourage you to visit the American Red Cross Water Safety page for additional tips and resources.
Summer is a special time for families. Let’s make it a safe one!
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