Summer is a season for children to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, biking, and playing in parks. However, emergency room doctors warn that certain activities pose significant risks. Here are five summer activities they avoid with their own kids, along with safety tips.
1. Swimming Without Close Supervision
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of accidental death for ages 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Non-fatal drowning can cause brain damage or permanent disability. Dr. Nkeiru Orajiaka, an emergency medicine pediatrician in Columbus, Ohio, told HuffPost, “I’ll never let my kids go to pools or any body of water alone. Drowning can happen within seconds, and kids should never swim alone.” She recommends a designated water watcher, changing every 15 minutes if multiple adults are present. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance advises life jackets for non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers, especially in crowded areas. Children under 5 should wear life jackets unless within arm's reach of an adult. Wave pools are particularly risky due to chaos and difficulty spotting distress; no child should enter alone, and only when lifeguards are present.
2. Biking Without a Helmet
A 2018 study found an estimated 2.2 million children aged 5-17 were treated for bicycle-related injuries from 2006 to 2015, averaging over 600 injuries per day. Head injuries account for about 60% of bicycle-related fatalities in children, according to Dr. Jessica Singh, former ER physician and founder of Sukhayu Wellness. Helmets reduce the risk of head, brain, and facial injuries by up to 60%. Proper fit is crucial: the helmet should sit snugly, one to two finger-widths above eyebrows, not touch the neck, and have a tight chin strap allowing no more than one or two fingers of space. The CDC states the helmet should not move in any direction when fastened.
3. Playing Near Lawn Mowers
Each year, 10,000 children are injured by lawn mowers, making them the leading cause of major limb loss in kids under 10, per the University of Iowa’s Injury Prevention Research Center. Children should not ride on mowers or play nearby while mowing. A 2023 study found most serious injuries occur when children are bystanders, often when the driver reverses unknowingly. Debris like rocks can be propelled, causing eye or facial injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children use walk-behind mowers at age 12 and ride-on mowers at 16, provided they show good judgment and coordination. Younger children should avoid them entirely.
4. Playing Outside in Extreme Heat
With heat records being shattered globally, excessive heat exposure is a growing concern. Children are less able to regulate body temperature than adults, putting them at higher risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Singh explains, “Heatstroke is the most deadly heat-related illness. The body can no longer regulate itself and its temperature rises within minutes, resulting in permanent disability or death without emergency treatment.” To stay safe, check weather forecasts, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, go out in the morning or evening, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and choose loose, light-colored attire.
5. Riding All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
ATV riding is a high-risk activity for children and teens. The AAP states it is “a serious threat to the health and well-being” of young people and recommends that kids under 16 should not use ATVs. Injuries often result from being thrown off, crashes, or rollovers, especially on public roads. Risks include fractures and head injuries like skull fractures, concussions, or brain bleeds. Orajiaka says, “My kids will avoid ATVs. And when they are older, I will highly recommend they wear a helmet.”
