Most kids love spending time outdoors, especially when the weather gets warm enough for summer water sports, camping, and other activities.
So, with the warm weather finally here, now is the perfect time to teach them a few basic outdoor safety tips that could come in handy if they ever get into an uncomfortable or difficult situation.
By showing your child how to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors, you can help ensure that they have a fun and worry-free summer.
Here are seven outdoor safety tips that every kid should know:
1) If You Get Lost, Stop and Stay Where You Are
If your child gets lost while hiking or camping, the first thing they should do is stop and stay put. Advise them to wait at the spot where they last saw you and not to try to find their way back on their own.
If you have a plan in place ahead of time, such as agreeing on a meeting spot, it will be easier for them to stay calm and remember what to do.
2) Stay Hydrated
Another important thing to remember when spending time outdoors is to stay hydrated. Kids can get dehydrated quickly, so it’s important to make sure they are drinking enough water, especially on hot days.
Take a water bottle with you and encourage your child to take regular sips throughout the day. If you’re going hiking or camping, pack extra water and consider bringing along some sports drinks as well.
3) Wear Sunscreen
Another important tip for staying safe in the sun is to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin and reapply regularly, especially if your child is swimming or sweating.
Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and provides both UVA and UVB protection. This will help ensure that your child is protected from harmful sun rays.
4) Watch Out for Insects
When spending time outdoors, it’s important to be aware of the insects that might be present in the area. Some insects can carry diseases, so it’s important to take steps to avoid them.
Try to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible, and use insect repellent that contains DEET. Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, lotions, and hair products as they can attract insects.
If a bee, wasp, or similar insect stings you or your child, remove the stinger if possible and apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling.
5) Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When exploring the outdoors, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and look out for potential hazards. This might include things like cliffs, steep slopes, bodies of water, or wildlife.
Teach your child to stay on trails, and never go off into the woods or other areas alone. If they see something that looks dangerous, they should stay away and tell an adult.
6) Know How to Call for Help
If your child gets into an emergency situation, it’s important that they know how to call for help. Show them how to use your phone or an emergency whistle, and make sure they know when it’s appropriate to use it.
If you’re going to be in an area with limited cell phone reception, consider packing two-way radios so that you can still communicate with your child.
7) Know How To Use an Emergency Pool Phone
If your child plans to swim this summer, make sure they know how to use an emergency pool phone. These phones are located near most public pools, and can be used to call for help in an emergency.
Show your child where the emergency pool phone is located and how to use it. If there is no emergency pool phone available, make sure your child knows how to call 911.
Help Your Child Stay Safe
It’s always a good idea to make sure your child is prepared for any emergency, whether it’s a major storm or getting lost in the woods.
With a little planning and practice, you can help make sure your child is ready for whatever comes their way.
Outdoor emergencies can be serious, so make sure your family is fully prepared by going through these outdoor safety tips together.