Watching Your Kids Over Summer 101

Basic Safety Tips from the Field:


When Going to the Woods/Forest:

1: Use the Buddy System wherever you go.

2. When Hiking as a Family, Post one Adult at the front of the line, and one Adult at the end.(Adult Bookends)

3. Have younger kids wear a whistle to use in Emergencies....it's much louder than their little voices.

4. Stay on the TRAIL. Teach your kids to do the same. Never, ever, get off the trail.

http://www.familyfunshop.com/familyhikingtipsandsafety.htm



At the Pool/Beach/Fishing Pier:

1. If they can't see you, you can't see them.

2. Water Wings or life vests, even if toddlers/new swimmers are not in the water.

3. Put the Book, Phone, PC down and watch your kids play.

4. Teach them basic water play safety.

5. No Running, means no running.

6. Keep your eyes on the kids, even if you're visiting with a friend. There is nothing more important than watching your kids.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/water.html

In the Neighborhood:

1. Teach Bicycle Safety--defensive driving style. Assume cars are NOT looking out for kids.

2. Watch your kids walk to their friends' house down the street until they are safely there.

3. Buddy System again, really works.

4. Before a child plays on your trampoline, make sure to get a SIGNED permission slip from theie parents that releases you from liability in the case of an accident. Make certain your kids & their friends follow basic trampoline rules.

5. Have your child's friends' home phone numbers.
http://www.be-safe.org/css_com/bicycle/index.html

At Disneyland/SeaWorld/Mall, etc:


1. When you arrive, point out "SAFE ADULTS" to the kiddos, which would be a FEMALE Employee of the Park/Mall/Store/etc.

2. Put a peice of paper in their pocket/on their person with Your Name/cell number on it.

3. Again, use the Buddy System.

4. Adult Bookends for all lines, seats, rides.

5. Have the kids dress in same color T-shirts when possible, or have them wear same color bandanas, etc. for easy identification.

6. Bring a recent pic of your family with you...tuck it in your purse/backpack.

7. Report Your Child Missing ASAP.

For More Basic Safety Rules:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101020729-322649,00.html



Let's all have a safe and wonderful summer.

Watch your kids.

*this is a repost from Summer '09, but I thought it would be good to do it again.