Content Summary for Summer Safety for Children Infographic
PROTECT CHILDREN FROM COMMON SUMMER HAZARDS Activities most responsible for injuries: biking and swimming. Bikes & Accessories ~70% of fatal bicycle accidents involve head injuries. The risk of head injury can be reduced as much as 85% by wearing a properly fitted helmet. Besides car accidents, bicycles cause the majority of children’s injuries and are the leading cause for visits to emergency rooms.
Recommendations The CPSC recommends properly-fitted helmets should be worn by children (and adults). - When buying a helmet, look for a label that includes: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets.” Make sure that bikes are road-worthy: - Tires are properly inflated; - The seat and handlebars are tight; - The brakes are working; - The bicycle has reflectors; - The rider is wearing reflective clothing to increase visibility; and - Add a tall flag to low tricycles or riding toys so vehicle drivers can see the rider. Swimming & Water Activities CDC: Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids aged 1-4. CPSC: - Nearly 300 children under the age of 5 drown annually. - 5,100 children under 15 go to emergency rooms for near-drowning injuries annually. - Inflatable pool toys pose a risk of suffocation especially when they are collapsed. - Deflated kiddie pools create dangerous situations for small children.
Recommendations: - Be present, alert, and watchful of children as they swim. - Have a phone close by in case of emergency. - Never leave a child unattended. - Make sure children understand the safety rules. - Review the pool area for potential hazards. - Assign one or more adults to watch swimmers. - Take turns to maintain attentiveness. - Always lock your pool to prevent unattended children from entering. Trampolines & Bounce Houses 70 in 100,000 children under 17 suffer trampolines injuries.
Recommendations: When using a trampoline at home, the Mayo Clinic advises: - The trampoline should be set up on level ground. - Always use a safety net and padded springs. - Parents should supervise trampoline all activity. 5 in 100,000 children are injured from bounce houses. Bounces houses result in 1 child being sent to the ER every 46 minutes.
Recommendations: 5 in 100,000 children are injured from bounce houses. Bounces houses result in 1 child being sent to the ER every 46 minutes. Playground Equipment Playgrounds account for hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. On public playgrounds, climbing structures account for a majority of injuries. Swings are primarily responsible for injuries for at-home play structures.
Recommendations: - Check the playground to ensure it is properly maintained. - Ground surfaces should be well cushioned. - Always monitor young children at play.
Parents and guardians: Be aware of hazards and protect against them. Have a safe summer! Sources:
http://www.kidsindanger.org/docs/research/Summer_Safety_Report_Final.pdf 
