Robin Altman, MD, Chief of Academic General Pediatrics Medicine at Children's and Women's Physicians of Westchester, LLP insists that summer safety amounts to making preparations for time outdoors, being aware of what children are doing, paying close attention to their activities, and having a plan to respond, should something go wrong.

“Supervision is key,” Dr. Altman stresses, along with making sure that children are well protected before spending the day outdoors.

Dr. Altman cites 7 important factors that warrant parents' close attention in summer:

1. Sun Protection
2. Tick Awareness
3. Insect Bites
4. Safe Bicycling
5. Beach and Pool Safety
6. Backyard Hazards
7. Prevent Dehydration

1. Sun Protection
“No child should have to suffer with a sunburn,” Dr. Altman says. Children should be protected before heading to the beach or pool, or being outside for hours. “Continuous exposure to UV light puts children at risk for cancer later in life,” she says. She recommends staying out of direct sunlight during the peak burning hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Keeping a child's skin covered with clothing is best, but not always possible or practical. “So, parents need to know the proper way to use sunscreen,” Dr. Altman says.

Sunscreen ought to provide a “broad spectrum” of protection, and should contain chemicals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. “It needs to be applied liberally to every exposed area of the body, including tops of the ears and even the part in the hair,” Children heading to camp for the day should have sunscreen applied completely before they leave home. The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the better, she adds. Eyes also need protection; children should wear polarizing sunglasses when outdoors.

2. Tick Awareness
Summer insects — including ticks — can also pose problems. Dr. Altman stresses, that as part of regular hygiene, children should check their bodies often, and shower when returning from the outdoors. Parents should make sure that children wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, and use an insect repellant such as DEET. “The best protection is for parents to check their children every 24 hours, from head to toe.”

3. Insect Bites
Should a child be stung, apply ice at the sting site and take an antihistamine that can help reduce swelling and itching, that could lead to infection. With mosquito bites, parents should seek medical attention with worsening swelling or pain or fever. “Scratching intensely is not advised,” Dr. Altman says. “This can cause skin breakdown and a secondary skin infection.”

4. Safe Bicycling
Children and bikes are inseparable in summer. “It's great exercise and gets them outside,” Dr. Altman says. “However,” she cautions, “children absolutely need to wear a helmet, regardless of where they go, how far, or for how long.”

5. Beach and Pool Safety
Summer beckons water. Dr. Altman insists that there is no substitute for astute supervision to prevent accidents at the beach, pool or lake. “No one should ever swim in areas without a lifeguard,” she insists. “This poses tremendous risk.” Children should be supervised at all times when at the ocean, river, lake or pool.