HEALTH & WELLNESS
those under 19. Additionally, the University of Michigan Health Systems
estimate that about 6,000 kids under the age of 14 are hospitalized
because of diving injuries each year, with one in five sustaining a spinal
cord injury.
Prevent accidents and injuries with these tips to ensure your family’s
safety around water:
• Instruct children to never swim alone or go near water without an
adult present.
• Give children your undivided attention when they are swimming or
near any body of water.
• Always jump in feet first to check the depth before diving into any
body of water.
• Never dive into the shallow end of a pool or into above-ground pools.
Fun on the Water
Boating, tubing and other water sports can be great fun, but can also be
dangerous. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 71 percent of all
boating fatalities are drownings, 85 percent of which are a result of not
wearing a life jacket. Here is what you can do to enjoy the water safely:
• Always have children wear a Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted
life jacket while on a boat, around an open body of water, or when
participating in water sports.
• Educate yourself. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 86 percent of
boating accident deaths involves boaters who have not completed a
safety course.
• Always check water conditions and forecasts before going out on the
water.
Fire Safety Simplified
According to the CDC, more than 300 children aged 19 and under are
treated in emergency rooms for fire- and burn-related injuries each day.
Use these tips to help keep children safe around fires, fireworks, grills
and other heat sources:
• Teach children to never play with matches, gasoline, lighter fluid or
lighters. Make a habit of placing these items out of their reach.
• Do not leave children unattended near grills, campfires, fire pits or
bonfires. Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby
whenever there is an open flame.
• Take your child to a doctor or hospital immediately if injured in a fire
or by fireworks.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals.
To see more tips, find activity pages and learn how to become a “Superhero
of Summer Safety,” visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
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