As children start their summer break, temperatures are high and pools are filled. But with fun comes safety. Whether you’re taking a dive into the deep end or playing outside, it’s important to be safe and know the proper measures to take.
“To be able to have this and then they have the little sprinkler right here at the playground to help you, you gotta stay hydrated and you gotta stay out and have a good time one way or another,” said Manuel Harris, a parent.
And with swimming comes safety and being mindful of things like swimmers ear.
“So stagnated water in the ear canal can cause an infection. There’s two common bacteria. If that’s the case, they might need antibiotics,” said Dr. Natalie Hua, an associate program director for MVHS Family Residency Program.
Dr. Hua says using ear plugs can avoid this.
“But if their hearing is compromised and if you tug on their ear or you press on their ears on the outside but they complain of pain on the inside, it’s a good time to bring them in, to be checked,” said Hua.
Hua says it’s also important to not let kids stay in a wet swimsuit for too long and ensure they stay hydrated.
“So we’re going to make sure that, if you can observe their pee, it is light yellow and that they’re not dehydrated, that’s going to help flush out the system and prevent any, UTI prone as well,” said Dr. Hua.
And of course, swimming itself can help lower your body temperature so you can help kids stay cool during hot stretches as well as being fun.
“You gotta get out, swim, cool off, enjoy the sunshine and be able to be refreshed,” said Tammy Sakowski, a parent.