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Helpful tips to ensure your children are safe this Summer

Helpful tips to ensure your children are safe this Summer

There are always certainties when living in Australia.

1. Summer is going to be hot.
2. Children will want to get out of the house any chance they get.

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your kids enjoy the summer holidays.

1. Keep a first aid kit handy at home
Be prepared, kids will be kids and that means anything can happen. We always advise parents to have a first aid kit on hand at all times. Rich River First Aid has a selection of kits that cover just about everything, it’s always best to have all your bases covered.

We also advise that you keep the family first aid kit somewhere safe and easily accessible. All family members must be aware of the location and, where possible, educate your children how to use the first aid kit components, best practice and how to act in case of an emergency.

2. Pool safety
Summer brings sunshine and heat, what better way to cool down than a swim in the local or backyard pool?

We have been involved in first aid for over 22 years, we have seen every type of injury and life threatening situation involving water, pools and the associated hazards. It’s Australia law to ensure that pools have a safety fence surrounding them, recheck and ensure your safety locks and devices are working adequately. Additionally, here are a few items to check;

  • Keep rescue equipment by the pool (inside fencing)
  • Add safety signage where possible, if the pool is shallow, make this known to all, enforce a ‘no diving’ policy
  • Minimize slip hazards
  • Watch/supervise children at all times
  • Store pool chemicals in a safe location
  • Inspect drain covers

Most importantly, have the family (those over the age of 12) undertake CPR training and teach your children how to swim. Rich River First Aid is at the forefront of CPR training, if you want your children educated or need a refresher yourself, click here.

3. Hydration
During hot days it is easy to become dehydrated – even more so for kids. Children have a larger proportion of their skin available to lose sweat and be exposed to heat. Plus, children aren’t as aware that they are thirsty so they may need a little prompting. Signs to look out for dehydration include headaches, poor concentration, cracked lips, constipation, lacking energy, dark urine and the obvious one, thirst.