Summer Safety Tips: Bikes, Swimming Pools, & Trampolines

With summer rapidly approaching, it's time to take a cold hard look at some of the things we can do to stay safe during the months to come. Summer is, for most, a time to let loose and have fun, but there are some easy things you can do to ensure that you and your children remain safe and have a blast at the same time!

On a bright summer morning, when your child wants to rush out the door to go bike riding, skateboarding, or roller-skating, take a moment to stop and assess the situation. Does your child have a helmet, wrist guards, or other appropriate protective gear? Today, doctors are recommending the same safety equipment for children wearing "Heelys" (sneakers with wheels) as they are for children who roller-skate or ride bikes. Your child may whine and complain, but better safe than sorry. Who wants to spend the entire summer lying on the couch in a cast?

When it comes swimming pools, safety should be your number one priority. First, if you aren't going to be around make sure your pool is protected from unwanted visitors such as children, neighbors, or animals. Most people with pools have a fence around it or their yard, as required by most townships and insurance companies. Not having a fence around your pool or yard leaves you open to a huge liability if someone gets hurt - whether they had your permission to swim or not. Another great option is a pool alarm, which will sound if someone opens the pool gate.

Always be prepared. If you have a pool in your yard, someone in your home should be familiar with basic CPR and first aid techniques. Children should never be left unsupervised while swimming. When it comes to young children and pools, proper supervision extends much further than your child being within your line of vision. If you cannot reach out your arm and touch your child, you are not properly supervising him or her in the pool. Simply put, make the time to stay with your children while they are swimming - otherwise keep the kids out of the pool until the errands and chores are done.