SUMMER SAFETY TIPS: STAYING SAFE
Your children's well-being and safety are extremely important — at home, in the pool, in the car, or elsewhere — make sure that you've taken every step possible to ensure that they are safe and secure.
Bug Safety
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
When outside in the evenings or other times when there are a lot of mosquitoes present, cover up with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent bites.
Choose insect repellents tried and tested by consumer report or other organizations. A personal favourite of mine is Skin so soft bug guard by Avon, it’s worked amazingly well on my son!
https://www.avon.com/category/bath-body/skin-so-soft/bug-guard
Playground Safety
The playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials. Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these. If you see something tied to the playground, remove it or call the playground operator to remove it.
Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.
Remind children to play in an area where the parents can see them. If someone makes them feel unsafe, tell the parents.
Stanger Danger
Educate your children not to answer the door alone even when caregivers are at home.
Tell your children not to be afraid to say ‘No’ to stranger. Practice with them to say ‘Help’ or ‘I don’t know you’ to get someone’s attention.
Discuss with your children about ‘safe zones’ in the community or when on holiday such as school, shops (with a CCTV camera), and police station.
When using the computer, remind your children to be careful who they talk to and not to give out name and addresses to strangers.
Water Safety
Never leave children alone in or near water, even for a moment; close supervision by a responsible adult is the best way to prevent drowning in children. Because drowning can be quick and quiet, the water watcher should pay constant attention, be undistracted, not involved in any other activity such as reading, playing cards, on the phone, while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.
Less experienced swimmers and children under age 5 in or around water should have an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – within arm's length, providing ‘touch supervision.’
Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!
Aqua Gym
http://www.aquagym.com.hk/
Harry Wright International
http://www.harrywright.com.hk/
Aqua Gym and Harry Wright International are two popular organizations offering swimming lessons in Tung Chung and Discovery Bay.
With the right tools and preparation, summertime can be a relaxing and safe time for you and your family.
