Summer Safety 101: Pool, Grill, Fireworks & More!
The lazy days of summer are finally here! While many of us enjoy the ease that comes with slower days and freer schedules, the summer months still come with their own set of challenges, specifically regarding safety.
Water Wise
While pools offer relief from triple-digit temperatures, they pose serious risks to children that can be prevented through simple safety measures, according to Dr. Kian Azimian, Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Memorial Hospital.
"The best way to keep your kids safe is to make sure they can swim," Dr. Azimian emphasizes, adding that designating an undistracted, sober "lifeguard" is essential. Parents often believe they've only stepped away for seconds during drowning incidents, but "in reality it's usually more like several minutes, and unfortunately that's all the time it takes for a drowning to happen."
Essential safety measures include installing fenced pools with lockable gates, door alarms leading to pool areas, and ensuring parents and caregivers are CPR-certified.
Grill with Care
Even experienced grill masters should implement safety measures before barbecuing, starting with a three-foot safety perimeter to keep curious children away from heat and flames.
"Kids are curious, they always want to see what's going on, and that curiosity sometimes puts them in harm's way," says Dr. Azimian, emphasizing the importance of educating children about grill dangers.
Keep matches and lighters away from children and never leave grills unattended. If burns occur, treat with cool water and seek medical attention immediately while avoiding home remedies like mustard, honey, or mayonnaise, which "damage the skin more and make it harder to treat," Dr. Azimian warns.
Celebrate Safely
Fireworks are dazzling but dangerous— the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 9,700 firework-related injuries last year.
Dr. Azimian recommends ensuring kids are mature enough to handle fireworks responsibly under adult supervision, or choosing safer alternatives like sparklers for younger children and glow sticks for the littlest ones. Always light one firework at a time, keep water or a hose nearby for emergencies, and never mix alcohol with fireworks.
Ride Smart
E-bikes and electric scooters have surged in popularity, but so have serious injuries. These devices can reach 28 mph—much faster than traditional bikes—and some kids aren't mature enough to handle the speed safely. Pediatric injuries from e-bikes and scooters are rising, particularly head and facial fractures and concussions.
Dr. Azimian emphasizes that wearing a helmet is "crucial, crucial, crucial," noting he's personally broken two helmets. Before allowing children to ride e-bikes or scooters, ensure they're mature enough to follow traffic rules and understand they're operating a motor vehicle.
Stay Safe This Summer
Summer should be about making memories, not making trips to the ER. Stay prepared and protect your loved ones by establishing a relationship with a Dignity Health physician who can provide guidance on injury prevention and keeping your family healthy all season long.