Summertime means summer camp for many kids in Southern California and there are a variety of camps to choose from. From swimming to canoeing to archery to horseback riding to cooking, summer camps offer a wide range of activities for children of all ages. But with all the freedom and joy of exploring new things and meeting new friends comes a certain level of risk. Kids can be unpredictable, especially in the great outdoors, so being prepared for possible emergencies is paramount.
Here are a few things to keep in mind in regards to potential health injuries at summer camp.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Parents know that kids love pools and that they’ll stay in one for hours. However, despite all the fun – children can still get hurt. Slip and fall accidents can occur when kids get excited and run around the pool. Another risk kids face is rough-housing with other campers, which can lead to other accidental injuries. Drowning is also an issue anytime kids are in the water. Always be sure to have proper supervision when campers are at the pool – there can never be too many lifeguards.
Sunburns and Heat Stroke
One major item to the camp experience that might not be as discussed as much as it should is just how much sun kids are exposed to. Without proper sunscreen, a kid can easily get burned and find himself spending his summer camp in the nurse’s office. Also, without adequate hydration, heat stroke can become a serious risk. If a camper’s body temperature rises too high, they can suffer from a heat illness that could lead to a life-altering injury.
Infectious Diseases
It seems each year we’re told of new diseases or viruses spreading around the country, and it almost always affects the Southwest. Some are harmless, no worse than a common cold, and some can be very serious. Often these infectious diseases are spread through insect bites, and where there’s a large group of humans, there is an even larger group of hungry bugs. It is important to properly protect your kids by using topical repellent when they’re outdoors. Also, be sure that the camp is up-to-date on vaccination requirements and has a plan in case of an outbreak.
Summer camp should be a wonderful experience for kids that creates a lot of happy memories that last a lifetime. But it’s a good idea to talk with a lawyer about vaccinations, waivers, and other types of documents that a camp may require you to sign, especially in the event that your child was injured at summer camp. You should know your rights in the unfortunate instance that your child gets hurt. Call the legal team of Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (888) 233-5020 to find out how we can help you and your child.
