During one of my shifts in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), I took care of a brave little boy that suffered from drowning. One day, while his family was enjoying a summer gathering by the pool, the boy accidentally fell into the water without a life jacket, resulting in him being hospitalized and intubated for several days. Thankfully, against all odds this boy survived a near-drowning incident without any devastating consequences, but still had a long road to full recovery. His story touched the hearts of everyone involved in his care. It served as a reminder of the importance of water safety education and constant vigilance around bodies of water, particularly for young children.
Summer has finally arrived and as a pediatrician, I am encouraging my patients and families to spend time outside and enjoy outdoor activities. However, there are some important details we all need to keep in mind to ensure a safe and healthy summer, especially when it comes to sun exposure and water safety.
It is essential to remember that infants under 6 months old should not be directly exposed to the sun, as their skin is very delicate, and they could suffer from burns. Also, they should not participate in water activities because at this age they are still unable to regulate their body temperature properly. Therefore, it is crucial to keep them in the shade during the hours of highest sun intensity and avoid exposing them to water activities such as beaches or pools.
For children over 6 months old, it is important to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 before going out in the sun and reapply it every 2 hours. It is also recommended to cover all exposed areas, such as the face, arms, and legs, using hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. When it comes to pools and beaches, it is essential to supervise children at all times to prevent any accidents and ensure they wear appropriate life jackets if they do not know how to swim.
As the story above reminds us, unfortunate events can happen when appropriate safety measures are not followed. This is why, as pediatricians, we play a significant role in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of protecting children from the sun and the risks associated with aquatic environments. Together, we can ensure that our children enjoy a safe and fun summer!