Pool & Water Safety
One of the most common concerns in summertime is water and pool safety. In 2022, there were 27,461 ER visits related to kids’ swimming pool injuries. It’s easy to take pool safety for granted, especially if you’ve been around pools and water your entire life, but it’s important to remain vigilant in these high-risk environments.
According to the CDC, more children 1-4 die of drowning than any other cause of death. Thankfully, water safety awareness for parents and kids can help prevent injuries in and around the swimming pool or beach.
- Check local availability for swim classes and get your kids enrolled
- Sign everyone in your family up for CPR and first aid classes
- Make sure children never have unsupervised water access
- When at the beach or public pool, swim in a lifeguarded area only
- Mind the rule, “Reach or throw – don’t go!” If someone is drowning, reach or throw an object to them.
- Remember: It only takes 20-60 seconds for someone to submerge in water, less than we typically spend responding to a text or applying sunscreen
Camping Safety
For many families, camping is an essential part of summer. No matter how campsite savvy you are, it’s always a good idea to brush up on camping safety. That way, you can ensure your next outdoor adventure is a fun one.
- Pack a first aid kit with the following injuries in mind: cuts, scrapes, bruises, bug bites, and sprains
- Download the Red Cross First Aid app, which explains how to treat serious wounds, broken bones, or dangerous bites/stings while you wait for help to arrive
- Always pack enough water to prevent dehydration and remind everyone to keep drinking
- Be sure and tell a family member, friend, or neighbor exactly where you’ll be
- Wash your grill, workstation, utensils, and hands before cooking food
- Don’t leave perishable food in the sun
- If you have a grill, make sure kids and pets steer clear
Mosquitos and Ticks
More time spent outdoors means more exposure to nasty insects like mosquitos and ticks. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or picnicking, the following safety measures can help protect your family from potentially dangerous insect interactions.
- Look for insect repellant containing DEET
- Wear light-colored clothing so small bugs and ticks are visible
- Empty sources of standing water (flowerpots, plastic pools, etc.) as these are mosquito breeding grounds
- If you’re hiking, avoid tall grass and underbrush by sticking to the trail
- Have another family member inspect you for ticks once you’re inside
- Get tick repellant for your pets
- Have someone carefully check the back of your neck and scalp line for ticks
- Remember that mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn
Fireworks Safety
If your family loves fireworks, you’re not alone. Fireworks, both big displays and at-home experiences, are incredibly popular in the U.S. In 2021, 11,500 people were treated in ERs due to fireworks-related accidents, including burns, which accounted for 32% of injuries. The following tips and insights can help your family safely enjoy sparklers, bottle rockets, and more.
- Before purchasing fireworks, check that they’re legal in your area
- Never let a child light a firework themselves, including sparklers
- Keep a hose or bucket of water close by
- Always light fireworks one at a time, then move to a safe distance immediately
- Do not attempt to pick up or relight fireworks that did not ignite fully
- Pick a location clear of buildings and trees
- Douse spent fireworks with water before you discard them
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Help
GreeningLaw, P.C. is ready to fight for justice for your loved one if they were injured due to someone else’s negligence. As one of the most recognized personal injury law firms in Texas, we have experience and expertise in holding negligent and reckless parties accountable. We treat each case with the same dedication we would extend to our own family, ensuring our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. In that consultation, we will ask about details surrounding your case, discuss possible compensation you may receive, and suggest the best course of action. And, because our attorneys work on a contingency basis, you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
Stay safe this summer!