How many times have you said, “this will only end in tears?”
With the Christmas season in full swing and the weather at it’s Summery best, it’s important to prevent serious accidents and injuries that are often associated with the holiday season.
While we understand that bumps and bruises are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps that we can take as parents to ensure that everyone has a safe Christmas.
Play Safe Around Water
Knowing and understanding water safety is paramount, especially during the warmer months. Between July 2016 and June 2017, 29 children aged between zero and four lost their lives as a result of drowning. To keep your family safe around water, make sure you remember the basics:
- Never leave children unsupervised near or in water, NEVER! Falls into water accounted for 76% of drowning deaths in 2016 and 2017.
- Ensure that children are supervised when using pool inflatables. These toys should not be used as safety flotation devices.
- Pack up pool toys after use, so children aren’t tempted to jump into the pool unsupervised.
- Make sure you are within arms reach of your child when in the water and never take your eyes off them. If with a large group, have someone stay outside of the water to keep an eye on the group in case somebody goes astray.
- If you have a blow-up pool, either empty or deflate after use or place behind a fence out of reach from children.
- Enrol your child in swimming lessons at an early age.
- Move any of your pet’s water bowls to an area that are inaccessible by your child.
Be Sun Smart
When heading outside with your child, make sure you’re being sun smart and exercise the following steps:
- Cover skin with lightweight and loose fitting fabrics
- Make sure your child wears a hat
- Stay in the shade
- Plan trips in the early morning or late afternoon when UV is at a lower rate
- Use a waterproof sunscreen that is SPF 30+ or higher and reapply every two hours
DO NOT leave your child unattended in a car. Children overheat at a rapid rate, and even a quick errand could do serious damage to your child’s health or result in death.
Wear a Helmet
There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new bike for Christmas, and regardless of what your child says - make sure they’re always wearing a helmet!
In Australia, you are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike and failing to do so can result in a fine. The reason for this is because falls from bikes can result in serious head injuries if the skull is left unprotected.
It is also crucial for kids to wear helmets when using scooters, skateboards or roller blades. Wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads can also provide additional protection when using any of the above.
Be Prepared to Perform First Aid
Being trained in first aid could save a life. Whether it’s learning CPR to help in the case of drowning or knowing how to treat a wound in the event of an injury - first aid training is a must have and key skill that is relevant to everyday life. Get started by:
- Book yourself into a child and baby first aid course - book now
- Get your first aid kit sorted. One for home and one for the car or travel - order here
- Download an app that has information on first aid - download here
And lucky for you TH has you covered for all the above!
Let’s work together to ensure that every family has a safe and happy Christmas!
Sources
www.royallifesaving.com.au
www.rch.org.au
