Splish, Splash, and Shine Safely This Summer!
Summer is just around the corner, a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and lots of outdoor adventures! We're so excited for all the fun your family will have. As we embrace the warmer weather, we also want to empower you with some friendly reminders and tips to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy while making those precious summer memories.
Our goal is to work together to help our little learners thrive, and that includes having a super fun and super safe summer!
Making a Splash Safely!
Water play is a fantastic way to cool off and have fun, whether it's at a splash pad or a pool. Here’s how we can make it a safe experience for our little ones:
At the Splash Pad:
Supervision is Key: Even in shallow water, active adult supervision is a must. Keep your eyes on your child at all times. It’s easy for little ones to slip or get overwhelmed.
Walk, Don't Run: Splash pads are wet and can be slippery. Remind your child to walk carefully to avoid tumbles. Water shoes with good traction can be a great help!
Check for Hazards: Before letting your child play, quickly scan the area for any broken equipment or anything that could pose a risk.
Stay Hydrated: Playing in the sun and water can be dehydrating. Keep those water bottles handy and encourage frequent sips.
Poolside Pointers:
Eyes On, Always: Just like at the splash pad, constant and undistracted adult supervision is crucial when children are in or near any pool. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Designate a "Water Watcher" whose sole responsibility is to watch the children.
Within Arm's Reach: For toddlers and young preschoolers, an adult should always be within arm's reach when they are in the water.
Life Jackets, Not Floaties: For children who are not strong swimmers, use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Inflatable arm floaties or toys are not safety devices and can give a false sense of security.
Pool Fences Save Lives: If you have a home pool, ensure it is completely surrounded by a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Empty Kiddie Pools: After the fun is done, always empty and store kiddie pools upside down to prevent accidental drowning.
Teach Water Rules: Talk to your child about water safety rules, like no running around the pool and waiting for an adult before getting in the water.
Sun Smarts: Protecting Precious Skin!
Our preschoolers have delicate skin that needs extra protection from the sun's powerful rays. Let's be sun smart superheroes!
The Power of Sunscreen:
Choose Wisely: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30.
Check out this article on how to choose the right sunscreen for your child!
Apply Generously & Early: Apply sunscreen about 15-30 minutes before heading outdoors to allow it to absorb properly. Don't skimp – use a generous amount to cover all exposed skin, including ears, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
Reapply, Reapply, Reapply! Sunscreen wears off. Reapply it every two hours, and more often if your child has been swimming or sweating.
Sensitive Skin? For little ones with sensitive skin, look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
More Ways to Shine Safely:
Cover Up Crew: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, along with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears, provide excellent protection.
Cool Shades: Protect those bright eyes with sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Seek Shade: Especially during the sun's peak hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), try to find or create shady spots for playtime. An umbrella or a leafy tree can make a big difference!
Understanding the UV Index: Your Daily Sun Safety Guide
Have you ever heard of the UV Index? It's a super helpful tool that tells us how strong the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays will be on a particular day. Knowing the UV Index can help you plan your outdoor activities and take the right precautions.
How to Check: You can easily find the UV Index for your area by:
Checking your local weather forecast on TV, online, or through a weather app on your phone.
Visiting the EPA's UV Index search page (epa.gov/sunsafety) and entering your zip code.
What the Numbers Mean: The UV Index is usually reported on a scale from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme).
0-2 (Low): Enjoy the outdoors! Sun protection is still generally recommended.
3-5 (Moderate): Seek shade during late morning through mid-afternoon. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
6-7 (High): Protection against sun damage is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible. Follow all sun protection measures.
8-10 (Very High): Take extra precautions! Unprotected skin can be damaged and burn quickly. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, seek shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and generously apply SPF 30+ sunscreen.
11+ (Extreme): Take ALL precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours and be vigilant about all sun safety measures.
By being mindful of the daily UV Index, you can make informed decisions to protect your family's skin.
We know that by working together and keeping these safety tips in mind, we can all enjoy a fantastic, fun-filled, and, most importantly, safe summer. We're here to support you, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Wishing you all a summer bursting with joy and sunshine!
