This weekend we welcomed the start of a new summer season. The spring of 2020 has undoubtedly challenged us all in ways we could have never imagined.
As such, we are all looking forward to the joys that warm, summer days can bring.
Summer is a great time for kids and families to enjoy different indoor and outdoor activities; however, summer leaves young children vulnerable in many ways.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drownings are the leading cause of injury or death for young children ages 1 to 4, and children in this same age group are at the highest risk for heat-related illness.
There are many ways to enjoy summer in Rhode Island as we follow some recommended precautions:
- A responsible adult should always supervise children when in or around water.
- Infants and children should never be left in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully, for morning and evening hours.
- Stay cool with cool showers or baths.
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection every time you and your child go outside.
- Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
Enjoy and BE SAFE as we venture out this summer season.
Ronald Contreras, Chief of Finance