Seven Summer Safety Tips From Shriners Children's

Participating in sports, or in any recreational activity, is important to living a healthy and physically active lifestyle. But with any kind of physical activity, there is a risk for injuries.

According to Shriners Children’s specialists, summer is known as “trauma season” because injuries increase dramatically among children during these months.

“Summertime activities that typically result in orthopedic injuries are all of the usual suspects: sports, biking, skating, rollerblading, ATVs and, of course, playground equipment,” said Shriners Children’s Spokane pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jacob Carl, M.D.

Preventable accidents related to lawnmowers, fireworks, campfires and fire pits, swimming and boating are also some of the potentially life-altering childhood injuries that can occur during this time of year.

Fractures are common in children and represent a significant proportion of pediatric emergency department visits in the United States. Children between 10 and 14 years of age have the highest risk of fractures.

"Sports injuries to the upper and lower extremities, including overuse and ligament injuries, tend to increase in frequency as well,” said Dr. Carl.

Shriners Children’s urges parents and caregivers to remind kids of these simple precautions to keep them injury-free this summer:

1. At the playground, slide feet first and swing sitting down.
2. Keep children inside when lawn mowers are in use.
3. Keep several feet away from fire pits, campfires or grills.
4. Only swim with an adult present and wear a lifejacket on open water.
5. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
6. Wear the proper equipment for your activity.
7. Stay hydrated! Bring water with you or ensure you have easy access to water.

Shriners Children's has a team of highly-trained physicians and specialists trained to treat growing children.

“Some injuries may require close monitoring of your child’s growth after the injury to help prevent deformities from developing,” added Dr. Carl. “Shriners Children’s Spokane can make your child’s experience less traumatic with the help of our child life specialists, pediatric nurses and therapists.”

Contact Shriners Children’s to learn about individualized, specialty pediatric care. All treatment and services are provided regardless of families’ ability to pay.