Summer in the City: Safety Tips for Parents

This article was written by Mary L. Pulido, Ph.D.

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), the first child protection agency in the world, wants all children to have a safe and happy summer.  Here are our tips for keeping children safe.

1. Practice Playground Safety

• Watch out for hot surfaces that can burn children such as slides and swings.
• Make sure the safety surfaces are thick enough to protect children if they fall.
• Children should always wear shoes, even in the spray shower areas to protect their feet.
• Make sure there is an adult present to supervise at all times.
• For more information visit the NYC Parks Department website. 

• Public pools, backyard pools, the beach and lakes are all great places for swimming, but have different safety challenges -- be familiar with them.
• Learn how to swim (adults too!) The NYC Parks Department offers free swim programs visit their website.  
• Learn CPR; classes are offered all the time. Visit the American Red Cross website for more info.
• Know the beach advisories, closures and water quality test results visit their website.