Be aware of the hazards that can be found in mountains, at the sea, holiday resorts or wherever you are going to spend your holiday.
When you are unfamiliar with your surroundings these holidays, it is important to look out for hazards and prevent unnecessary injuries to children.
Keep the kids busy - bored children are more likely to investigate new risky objects and areas.
TRAVELLING
· Before you set out on your holiday, always have your vehicle serviced (including your caravan or trailer). Check all the tyres (including the spare), brakes, shock absorbers, lights, steering etc. Always travel with emergency equipment like basic tools, jack, spare fan belt, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
· It is important to plan your route beforehand.
· Allow time to stop and visit interesting places and for rest stops every couple of hours.
· Make sure you always buckle up your children and yourself, for short as well as long distances.
· Always buckle children up in SABS approved child restraints systems or seatbelts when travelling in motor vehicles. There are different restraints available for different age groups.
· Lock all doors of the car. Use the child lock for babies and toddlers.
· Stop frequently so that children's can stretch their legs and take them out of their seats for a while.
· Sometimes older children want to climb out of their safety seats. Stop the car at a safe place and explain to the child that you will not resume the trip until he/she buckles up again.
· If you stop along the road, always keep an eye on children. They can be impulsive and because it's new surroundings, they could do anything without warning.
WATER SAFETY
· A large percentage of child deaths are children who drown. Adult supervision near water is essential - it can only take two minutes for a child to drown.
· A small child can drown in as little as 4cm of water, depending on age and health status of the child. Watch those nappy buckets and other buckets filled with water.
· If holidaying by the seaside beware of lagoons - there are often strong currents which could carry a child out to sea.
· Watch for lilos. A child could be swept beyond his depth and find himself in danger. Don't think if your child is wearing a buoyancy aid or water wings, he's safe. They still need supervision because they can easily tip over.
· Always take note of safety notices and swim where there are lifesavers and between the marked flags.
· Always supervise children near water. Even if they can swim they still need to be watched.
· Swimming pools should be fully fenced with self-closing and self-latching gate. SABS specifications on pool fences are available.
· Don't prop the pool fence gate open. Many children have drowned in fenced pools because someone left the gate open.
· Make sure there is nothing for your child to climb onto near the pool fence like pot plants, trees. Make sure your child does not have access to the pool from the house.
· If you don't want to make use of a fence install a pool safety net. Theses should always be kept on when the pool is not in use and once taken off, children should be supervised. Always use pool nets according to instructions.
· Never rely on flotation devices to protect your child.
HIKING OR CAMPING.
· Never go hiking alone.
· Be properly equipped with sufficient food, clothing and first aid supplies.
· Stick to well-marked routes and routes that you know. Make sure that someone know where you are going and what route you're taking.
· Beware of poisonous plants - children should never be aloud to pick fruit or berries from plants they don't recognise.
· Take care, folding camp tables are easily knocked over.
· Only make braai fires in safe places.
· Never pour flammable liquid onto fires.
· Braai fires should be put out with water, not sand.
· Keep matches out of reach of children.
· Carefully label containers with poisonous substances.
· Keep all poisons out of reach of children.
· Teach children what to do when they get lost in the mountains.
· Beware of other children camping near you - be especially careful when driving in caravan parks.
· Never leave children alone in tents, cars and caravans.
SUN SAFETY
Sunburn can be a problem throughout the year but especially in summer months.
· Parents and caregivers should protect children from the sun.
· Very young children should be kept out of the sun as their extremely sensitive skin can burn easily.
· Try and keep children out of the sun between danger hours: from about 11am to 3pm.
· All children especially under six years should use clothing and hats to protect them against sunburn.
· Everyone should use sun block on body parts exposed to the sun like arms, feet and face (choose a sun block that is water resistant).
· Remember sunburn also occurs when it's cloudy and children need protection under these conditions.