Staying Safe in Summer

More about staying safe in summer

Summer safety is about keeping your child well during hot weather, outdoor play, and holidays. Risks include strong sun, heat, water, and accidents. These can lead to problems like sunburn, dehydration (not enough fluids), or injury.

You may notice red, sore skin, tiredness, or your child becoming hot, thirsty, or irritable. Sunburn can feel painful and, in some cases, cause blisters. Heat can also make children feel dizzy or unwell.
Most problems can be managed by keeping your child cool, well hydrated, and protected from the sun. Seek help if your child feels very unwell, has severe pain, blisters, or signs of heat exhaustion.

Signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling or being sick, heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin), cramps, fast breathing or heartbeat, high temperature, thirst, weakness, or irritability. If this happens, move them to a cool place, remove extra clothing, and give cool water or a rehydration drink. Cool their skin and stay with them until they feel better. Call 111 if you are worried or if symptoms do not improve.

Never leave babies or children alone in a car, even for a short time. Their bodies cannot cool down as well as adults, so they can quickly become dehydrated or develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Cars heat up very quickly, even when it does not feel very hot outside. Sunlight gets trapped inside, causing the temperature to rise fast. A parked car can become dangerously hot within minutes, putting a child at serious risk.

Almost half of all accidental drownings happen in summer, and there were 226 accidental deaths in the UK in 2022. Water is often colder than it looks and can cause shock very quickly. Inflatables can be blown away from shore, and beaches without lifeguards are more risky. Cliffs can also be unstable.
Always supervise your child near water and choose lifeguarded beaches where possible. Keep a phone with you in case of emergency. If you get into trouble, float or swim parallel to the shore. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Keep your baby safe and comfortable in hot weather by using light clothing and bedding, and making sure they drink plenty of fluids. Keep sleep areas cool, away from direct sunlight, radiators, and hazards like blind cords. Do not cover prams with blankets, as this can trap heat and increase the risk of overheating. Use a sunshade instead and check your baby’s temperature regularly. When travelling, take regular breaks so you can check on your baby and let them move. Always supervise children closely, especially near water, as they can drown quickly and quietly.