Rules for Safe Recreation

The statistics on child injuries cannot leave any adult indifferent: more than 100 children die each year from external causes.

Poisonings, road traffic accidents, swallowing foreign objects, falling from windows, fires – this is far from a complete list of situations that can lead to tragedy. At the same time, preschool and younger school-age children are most often involved in various emergencies.

To assist parents in instilling a culture of safety in their children, we continue the #Safety_Lessons_for_Parents series, where we will discuss films created by the Ministry of Emergency Situations specifically for adults who proudly hold the titles of "dad" and "mom".

During the summer period, no one wants to stay at home, so parents try to diversify leisure activities and organize recreation outdoors. However, adults should not forget that during such sunny times, it is especially important to pay close attention to both the children and themselves. This is not just a requirement from rescuers, but a necessity dictated by life.

Behavior at Water Bodies

In hot weather, water is the "best friend" and the main salvation for many people. It is especially attractive to children, for whom splashing, swimming, or just fooling around is a bright way to spend summer leisure time.

Water bodies become the most popular and accessible places for recreation. Every day, their coastal areas are dotted with hundreds of families who actively and joyfully spend their free time. However, such seemingly ordinary recreation can end in tragedy.

Unfortunately, daily statistics are updated with new cases of child drowning. Adult negligence, instilled independence, and silly accidents are all among the reasons for these tragedies.

To remind once again of the important safety rules at water bodies that should not only be instilled in children but also known and followed by adults, we recommend watching the film "Water Does Not Forgive Mistakes: Child Safety in Water". In it, you will learn about the dangers that seemingly harmless objects in the yard can hide, how to ensure a child's safety while swimming in a pool, and how a family vacation on a sandy beach can end.

Parents, do not forget about yourselves! It is equally important for you to follow safety rules to protect your loved ones from the burden of grief from loss.

• only swim in specially designated areas, at equipped beaches where you can receive specialized assistance from a lifeguard in case of an accident;
• do not swim while under the influence of alcohol;
• do not use inflatable mattresses or rings;
• do not swim beyond buoys and other barriers set up in swimming areas;
• do not engage in horseplay in the water, such as diving and grabbing swimmers, do not fool around in the water, do not scare others;
• do not signal false emergencies;
• do not swim alone in the evening and at night.

To learn how to help a person who is drowning or who has just been pulled from the water, you can refer to the series "Safety Encyclopedia. Behavior in Water".

Remember the Basic Safety Rules in Hot Weather

• on hot days, walk with children before 11:00 AM and after 5:00 PM;
• choose a place for recreation in the shade;
• bring drinking water for the child and a light non-perishable snack;
• clothing and headwear made of natural fabrics (linen, cotton);
• bathe and hydrate the child more often;
• do not set the air conditioner to too cold a setting;
• ventilate the room more often;
• do not leave the child in the car, do not cover the stroller with a hood and mosquito net for long periods;
• use sunscreen products.

Share this information, stay informed yourself, and tell others!