Travel, pools and summer heat pose safety risks for kids — here’s how to keep them safe

SAN BERNARDINO — As temperatures rise and families flock to pools and parks, First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital are urging parents to take extra steps to keep children safe during the summer season.

This month, the two organizations partnered for a poolside safety demonstration as part of the Kid Safe Summer campaign, offering parents timely tips ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday. The event focused on protecting children ages 0 to 5 from three of the most common summertime hazards:

• drowning
• vehicle heatstroke and
• improperly installed car seats.

“Knowing how to keep your child safe in the summer months can save lives,” said Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino.

Experts led demonstrations on water safety, including the “ABCs” — Active supervision, Barriers around pools, and CPR training. Scott emphasized the importance of formal swim lessons, which can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children aged 1 to 4.

A heat safety demonstration illustrated how quickly interior temperatures climb in parked vehicles. A life-sized thermometer showed that even with windows cracked, cars can become deadly within minutes.

“It’s a powerful reminder to never, ever leave your child in a hot car,” Scott said.

Car seat technician Michelle Parker from Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital gave a live tutorial on how to properly install both rear- and forward-facing car seats. Nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, she noted, potentially putting children at risk in the event of a crash.

Families are encouraged to visit First5SanBernardino.org for local resources, including swim and CPR classes, car seat checks and more. Whether heading to the pool or just running errands, safety starts with preparation.

This article was written based on a press release from San Bernardino County