By: Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, children will be returning to summer camps and spending lots of time outdoors in their neighborhoods this summer. It is critical for parents and caregivers to keep summer safety in mind. Unfortunately, injuries to children rise sharply during summer months, a time those of us who work in the injury prevention field refer to as “trauma season.”

We encourage parents and caregivers to actively supervise children. We also encourage parents and caregivers to follow these summer safety tips to keep children safe and away from the emergency room:

• Actively supervise children while they are swimming or playing near water
• Ensure young children and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets at all times when in the water
• Ensure all passengers on board boats wear life jackets
• Do not let children play with fireworks
• Install window guards at home to keep young children from falling out of windows
• Do not leave children alone in a vehicle as they can quickly be overcome by heat
• Slow down when driving and watch out for children playing outside
• Do not drink alcohol before driving a car
• Ensure children and adults in your household who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine get it
• Ensure all family members frequently wash their hands
• Keep masks handy and use your best judgment for when they should be worn in crowded public or private settings

Following these summer safety tips will help parents and caregivers ensure their loved ones enjoy a safe and injury free summer.

Click here to learn about additional tips to keep children safe at home.

Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA, is the executive director of Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center.

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