Whether the weekend includes a camping trip, a pool party or an afternoon on the lake, Elizabeth Bennett and Michelle Terry, MD, at Seattle Children's encourage parents to think safety first around water and in the woods.
Bennett, a water safety expert, warns this is an especially dangerous time of year for drowning, because the water is colder than people expect. She urges parents of young kids to designate "child watchers" at every gathering, regardless of whether water is the main event.
"At a party, it's like everybody's watching the kids, but nobody's really watching," says Bennett. "One of the things we've learned from drowning deaths is that often the young kids were playing near the water, not necessarily in the water." Bennett shares some important tips that parents can use to prevent drowning.
In a second post, Terry offers simple tips for parents to ensure that their camping adventures are fun and safe. When you're camping with small children, Terry advises parents to follow the three P's – planning, preparation and precaution. For instance, "Camping in a familiar area with quick access to extra supplies can take some of the stress out of your trip."
To learn more about these and other health issues from Seattle Children's Hospital, check out On the Pulse.
