Content Summary for Summer Safety for Children Infographic
PROTECT CHILDREN FROM COMMON SUMMER HAZARDSActivities 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 ActivitiesCDC: 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 Houses70 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 EquipmentPlaygrounds 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 
