Drownings, heat stroke and more: tips to keep children safe this summer

The Montreal Children’s Hospital is reminding that summertime and high temperatures come with an increased risk of drownings, falls from windows and other dangers.

Montreal is dealing with its first heat wave of the season, with temperatures in the low to mid-30s until Friday.

The children’s hospital says many injuries it sees during the summer are preventable “if precautions were taken.”

“Many families eager to enjoy the summer months. The MCH Trauma Centre urges all citizens, however, to follow the prevention recommendations above and not let a beautiful day end in a preventable, life-altering tragic event.

Water safety

The hospital is urging Montrealers to keep children safe around water.

Some tips: constant adult supervision, swimming lessons, CPR training, no direct access to pool from house, adequate fencing around pool, swimming in safe areas, and never swimming alone.

The Montreal Children’s Hospital emergency department says it sees an average of one drowning per week during the summer.

Window, balcony safety

The hospital says a window screen is not sturdy enough to protect children from falling from windows.

Some tips: no furniture in front of a window, install window guards that limit openings, adult supervision, never leaving child alone on balcony.

The hospital says about 15 children are seen in emergency each summer after falling from a window or balcony.

Children left in cars

Leaving children in the car on a hot day can lead to heat stroke and can be fatal, the hospital warns. It says leaving car windows open does little to reduce the temperature inside.

“Infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness” because their body temperature increases much more quickly that an adult’s.

“High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.”

Some tips: never leave children unattended in vehicles, teach children not to play in vehicles, always check the backseat for leaving the vehicle, give yourself visual reminders when the child is in the car, and avoid distractions when exiting the vehicle.