There are many reasons to love summer, especially here on the beautiful Gulf Coast. With kids home from school and daylight well into the evening, there is ample opportunity to play outside and enjoy the freedom of being a kid! But children don’t often think proactively about safety, and it is up to their parents and caregivers to ensure that each child is as safe as possible with that in mind, here are 6 of the most common summer accidents to look out for.

Biking accidents: By now, everyone understands the importance of children wearing helmets while on their bikes. But an abundance of children riding down residential streets in summer can present a danger for everyone. Motorists need to be more aware than ever of children on bicycles, even if they are on the sidewalk or in a driveway. It only takes a moment for a child to ride their bike into the street without notice. If you are driving in any neighborhood or the area of a park, be sure to drive slowly enough to be able to stop your car quickly. Children are often hit when drivers travel down a familiar road and are distracted by their phones. Be sure to be extra vigilant during the summer months. Hitting a child with a car, even at slow speeds, is often tragic.
Pedestrian accidents: By the same token, children often play in the street in front of their homes. However, an inattentive motorist can hit a child easily if they run into the road unexpectedly. Motorists should always drive carefully, but if you are aware of children living in the neighborhood, make it a habit to drive slowly every time you go down the street. The extra minute it takes could save a life. Maintain the same vigilance in parking lots and close to playgrounds and parks.
Swimming accidents: Swimming is the best way to beat the summer Florida heat, whether at the beach, at a city pool, or in the backyard. Children love swimming, but fun in the water is one of the most potentially dangerous activities for children. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death in small children in Florida. Swimming children should be watched carefully by an adult at all times, no matter their skill level. If you are at a city pool or beach, don’t assume the lifeguard is enough – keep an eye on your kids. As an adult, if you are swimming, take note of the kids around you. Keep an eye out for them, and be aware if a child struggles to stay afloat or repeatedly dips under.
Boating accidents: Boating is a way of life in Florida, but every summer brings its share of boating accidents. One of the most prolific reasons is those who drive a boat under the influence of alcohol. While a day on the boat may seem an excellent excuse for a party, the effect of drinking and driving is often the same as on the road. Children can be close to impossible to see in the water, and parents may wish to keep the swimming to a minimum in open water. If you want to tow the kids on an inflatable tube, have a spotter on the lookout for other boats and any fallen tubers. Of course, properly fitted lifejackets for children are a must for anyone on the water, especially children!
Left alone in a car: For all the press around children who have died in vehicles in the summer heat, we tragically hear of it happening again each year. Leaving young children alone in a hot car is a significant risk to their health, and children can overheat within minutes, endangering their lives. Never leave a child alone in a car. If you see a child in distress in a closed vehicle, alert 911.
Playground accidents: Kids are kids; we shouldn’t wrap them in bubble wrap and refuse them the opportunity to play. But we must be diligent. Playgrounds have come a long way in safety design, with more closed apparatus and softer ground material. But they still represent a danger to children. Always supervise your children on any playground equipment, and ensure they only use the equipment as intended. If any of the equipment appears damaged or broken, do not allow them to play on it, and be sure to alert the playground owner.

You may be eligible for compensation if you think your child was injured due to someone else’s negligence. Call a local, experienced personal injury attorney to learn more.

The team at Probinsky & Cole wishes you and your children a safe and happy summer.