Tips for a safe and fun-filled summer

What to do if you get caught in a rip current

A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel that drags water from the shore out to the ocean. They catch people by surprise and lead to drownings when swimmers fight the current.

To spot a rip current, look for places with a gap in waves. The water in a rip current may look darker than the breaking waves and whitewater on each side. You may see foam or sediment in the water transported from the beach into the ocean. You can also look for sand being sucked from the shore into the sea.

If you get caught in a rip current, try to stay calm. The fast-moving current won't pull you underwater. Don’t swim against the current. You may be able to escape the current by swimming out of it. Learn more about what to do if you get caught in a rip current and share this information with your family before heading to the beach.

Beach hole safety tips

Digging a hole on the beach has been a childhood joy for as long as most of us can remember. But sand holes can be extremely dangerous to beachgoers, emergency responders and sea turtles. Children may become trapped in holes in a matter of seconds when the sand caves in on them. When holes are left uncovered, beachgoers and emergency personnel can be injured by falling into them.

The bigger the hole you dig, the more dangerous they become. Experts advise beachgoers not to dig a hole more than two feet deep.

• If you dig a hole, fill in the hole before leaving the beach.
• Do not dig holes deeper than your knees when standing in them.
• If you see an abandoned beach hole, fill it in or notify lifeguards or emergency personnel so they can take care of it.

Learn more about beach safety in these videos, such as tips for what to do if you hear thunder or experience a stingray.

What says summer more than a group of kids on bikes riding to the pool? Or a teen scooting to the local convenience store for a drink or treat. Children and adults should be mindful of these bike and skateboard safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet! Practice makes perfect, so always wear one no matter the location or distance that you or your child will ride. Adults should be a good example to kids and also consistently wear helmets.
• Make sure that when purchasing a helmet it meets the US Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
• Avoid riding bikes or skateboards on busy streets.
• Parents should review all traffic safety signs and remind children to obey all rules.
• No nighttime riding.
• When you ride, wear some reflective gear to help other drivers see you or your child.
• When your child skateboards, they should also wear protective gear including a helmet, elbow and knee pads.
• Children should never ride or skate alone, and children under 10 years old should be monitored at all times.

Learn more about how to safely help a child learn to ride a bicycle.

Between contact sports and playing with friends, the risk of injury and concussion is a worry for parents of children and teens.

“Red flag” symptoms of a concussion:

• Unequal or changes in pupil sizes
• Drowsiness or inability to wake up
• A headache that gets progressively worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Decrease of motor function

“Red flag symptoms are the ones that concern me the most,” says Dr. Devesh A. Patel, a primary care sports medicine physician with Sentara Sports Medicine Specialists in Virginia Beach. “If they show those signs, I recommend that the patient be seen in the ER for further evaluation.”

Learn more about concussion symptoms and healing after a concussion.

Dehydration is a common and potentially serious condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible due to their higher metabolic rates, inability to communicate their needs, and increased insensible losses (fluid loss through breathing and skin).

Recognizing the signs of dehydration and knowing how to treat it at home can help prevent complications.

Signs of dehydration

Dehydration can be categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Each level has distinct symptoms:

Mild dehydration

• Thirst
• Dry lips and mouth
• Reduced urine output, with urine being slightly darker than usual

Moderate dehydration

• Very dry mouth and lips
• Little or no urine output, with urine being dark yellow
• Sunken eyes
• Dry, cool skin
• Headache and dizziness
• Crankiness or irritability

Severe dehydration

• Very little or no urine output
• Very dry mouth and mucous membranes
• Sunken eyes and cheeks
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Lethargy or unconsciousness
• Lack of tears when crying
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and toddlers

Home treatment for dehydration

If your child shows signs of dehydration, taking immediate steps to rehydrate them at home is crucial. Here are some effective methods:

1. Hydration with clear fluids:
   • Encourage your child to drink enough clear fluids to keep their urine pale yellow. This indicates proper hydration.
   • If your healthcare provider recommends an oral rehydration solution (ORS), ensure your child finishes the ORS before offering other clear fluids.
2. Types of fluids to give:
   • Water: Suitable for children over 1 year old. Avoid giving extra water to babies under 1 year old and never rely solely on water, as it can cause the body’s sodium levels to drop too low.
   • Ice chips: Allow your child to suck on ice chips to increase fluid intake gradually.
   • Diluted fruit juice: Mix fruit juice with water to make it easier for your child to drink and to avoid excessive sugar intake.
3. Fluids to avoid:
   • Sugary drinks: Avoid drinks with high sugar content as they can worsen dehydration.
   • Caffeine: Steer clear of caffeinated beverages, which can increase fluid loss.
   • Carbonated drinks: Avoid bubbly drinks as they can cause stomach discomfort and are not effective for rehydration.

By recognizing the signs of dehydration and knowing how to manage it effectively at home, parents can help ensure their children stay healthy and hydrated, especially during the hot summer months or when illness strikes.

Heat stroke is a serious condition that can occur when the body becomes overheated. Understanding the symptoms is crucial for prompt intervention. It can impact people of all ages, with children and older adults at a higher risk.

Signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion include:

• High body temperature: A body temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting
• Heart issues: Heart palpitations or a fast heartbeat
• Respiratory problems: Shortness of breath
• Headache: Persistent or severe headache
• Muscle cramps: Painful muscle spasms
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Confusion or fainting: Feeling confused or passing out

Preventing heat stroke in children

To protect children from the dangers of heat stroke, follow these essential tips:

1. Monitor temperature and heat index: Always check both the outside temperature and the heat index. The heat index measures how hot it feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. This is crucial as high humidity can make it feel much hotter and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
2. Never leave children in parked cars: Do not leave your child unattended in a parked car, even if the windows are open. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, leading to potentially fatal heat stroke.
3. Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to your child’s skin to protect against sunburn, which can exacerbate the effects of heat. Reapply sunscreen as directed on the packaging, especially after swimming or sweating.
4. Avoid heat during illness: Keep your child out of the heat if they are sick or have recently been sick. Illness can make children more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
5. Know the symptoms: Educate yourself and your child about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Recognizing these signs early can prevent a medical emergency.
6. Stay prepared: Be ready to cool your children down if they start showing symptoms of heat exhaustion. Move them to a cooler environment, provide hydration, and use cool compresses on their skin.

As summer ushers in longer days and outdoor adventures, be mindful of the various bugs that can pose health risks and learn how to protect yourself and your family effectively.

Mosquito bites can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, Zika and dengue fever. Using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water can reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses. Avoiding tall grass, using tick repellents, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities are important preventive steps.

• When you know you will be outside, try to avoid using scented soaps/lotions/products, which may attract certain bugs.
• Try to avoid areas where bugs may congregate, especially in areas of stagnant water and near gardens that are blooming.
• Dress your child in long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, socks, and closed shoes when you know your child will be exposed to insects. A broad-brimmed hat can help to keep insects away from the face. Mosquito netting may be used over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects
• Use kid-safe insect repellant. Do NOT use repellants on children younger than two months old. If the child is older than two months, you can use 10 to 30 percent DEET products. Choose the lowest effective amount of DEET. For example, 10 percent DEET is effective for two hours.
• Do NOT use products that combine DEET with sunscreen. The DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective. These products can overexpose your child to DEET because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.
• Only apply insect repellents on the outside of your child’s clothing and on exposed skin. Use just enough repellent to cover your child’s clothing and exposed skin. Using more doesn’t make the repellent more effective. Avoid reapplying unless needed.
• When your children return indoors, wash their skin with soap and water to remove any repellent, and wash their clothing before they wear it again.
• Apply products in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing them in.
• Alternative repellants that are as effective as DEET-containing products are those that contain Picardin or essential oils found in plants like citronella, eucalyptus, cedar and soy bean. These are safe to use but may require more frequent reapplication.

The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so limiting sun exposure during these times is important to prevent sunburn and overheating.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen with:

• Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• SPF 30 or higher
• Water resistance

Remember your feet, neck, ears and the top of your head. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. And don't skimp! Apply sunscreen to the skin about 30 minutes before activity. Avoid getting the sunscreen in the eyes or mouth. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming/excessive sweating.

Skin cancers are often preventable and are highly treatable if diagnosed early. If you’re at higher risk of developing skin cancer, we recommend regular screening tests. Your doctor will begin by examining your skin and discussing your health history.

Sun safety for babies and children

• Children under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.
• Dress infants in cool, lightweight clothing that covers both arms and legs.
• Use wide-brimmed hats to protect them.
• Also, it is good to have an umbrella available under which they can sit or lay.
• Purchase children’s sunglasses with UV protection.
• Though sunscreen is only approved for use in infants older than 6 months, you may apply a small amount of sunscreen to sun-exposed areas of the infant to protect them from sun damage. Use at least SPF 15.

If a child happens to get burned, resulting in blistering and pain or fever, call your pediatrician.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages one to 14, and children account for one in four drowning deaths in the U.S. If possible, find a swimming spot with lifeguards.

Keep your eyes on kids and be within arm's length if they are not strong swimmers. It's easy to get distracted in a conversation, book or magazine. Of course, adults deserve a chance to relax, too, so share duty with a friend so you can enjoy your light summer reading or podcast.

More water safety tips:

• Never leave children unattended when at the beach or pool. Even with other adults, always swim with a buddy.
• Do not dive in water less than nine feet deep, and never dive in above-ground pools.
• Always wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating.
• Always check ALL safety equipment to be sure that the equipment is functional.
• Use safety covers on pools and spas.
• Consider starting your children in swimming lessons before the pool/beach season starts.
• Learn basic CPR and first aid.
• Discourage children from rough housing in or around the pool to prevent falls, head injuries or drownings.
• Make sure that if you have a pool, a fence surrounds all sides of the pool. Make sure that the gates are self-closing and self-latching as well.

Diving safety

Nearly 26,000 individuals are treated in emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics for dive-related injuries in the U.S. each year. Review tips for safe diving with all members of your family.

• Never dive headfirst into above-ground pools or unclear water.
• Swim away from the diving board after your dive. This makes room for the next diver.
• NEVER dive in shallow water. If you have any doubt about water depth, enter the water feet first.