Summer is in full swing, and honestly, I've loved slowing things down a little. I've been enjoying pool days, weekend adventures, popsicles melting faster than my kids can eat them, and soaking up every little bit of summer with my family. But if you're anything like me, mixed in with all the excitement is also that little voice in the back of your head reminding you that summer can get chaotic fast.
More time outside, more water activities, sports camps, vacations, playgrounds, bikes, heat, sunscreen battles… it's a lot. As parents, we want our kids to have the BEST summer memories while also keeping them safe.
I recently spent some time reading through summer safety tips from the team at Atrium Health Levine Children's, and there were several things that really stuck with me. Not in a scary way, but in one of those "wow, that's such a good reminder" kinds of ways. I figured if it helped me, maybe it would help another parent too.
One of the biggest things they talked about was water safety, and honestly, this one hits hard every summer. We all know we should "watch our kids" around water, but one thing I loved was the idea of having a dedicated Water Watcher. If you have older kids who don't need an adult within arm's reach in the pool, one adult should be completely responsible for watching the water for 10–15 minutes at a time. No scrolling on the phone, no getting distracted by conversations, and no stepping away "for just a second." Just fully focused on the kids. Then rotate so everyone stays alert.
Another point that really stuck with me is that drownings often happen in crowded places, even when lifeguards are present. It's easy to assume that with lots of adults around, someone else will notice if a child is struggling. But that false sense of security is exactly why having one designated Water Watcher is so important. One person is always paying attention, instead of everyone assuming someone else is.
For younger children, the recommendation is different, they should always have an adult within arm's reach whenever they're in or around the water.
As parents, we're so used to multitasking constantly that I think sometimes we forget how quickly accidents can happen. Another reminder that really stayed with me was that drowning can happen in as little as two inches of water. Two inches. That means kiddie pools, buckets, water tables, and coolers all matter too. It made me rethink how quickly I empty things after the kids are done playing.
And speaking of water, I know so many of us spend weekends at Lake Norman or the pool during the summer, so this was another important reminder: floaties and puddle jumpers are fun, but they are not life-saving devices. In fact, only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are designed to keep a child's head and face above water. If kids are in open water or on a boat, a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket really is the safest option.
The heat safety reminders also really got my attention. Now that we're in July and August, the hottest months of the year in North Carolina, the heat is no joke. One thing that stuck with me is how much faster a child's body temperature rises compared to an adult's. It's honestly scary to think about, and it's such an important reminder to stay extra aware during these hot summer days.
I loved the simple backseat reminder trick they shared, putting your purse, shoe, work bag, or phone in the backseat so you always have to open the back door before leaving the car. It seems so simple, but sometimes the simplest habits are the most important ones.
Hydration was another big one. I'm definitely guilty of reminding my kids to drink water once we're already outside sweating, but one thing they mentioned is starting hydration before the activity even begins. If your child has sports camp, outdoor activities, or long days in the heat planned, encouraging extra water the night before and earlier in the day can make a huge difference.
One thing I also appreciated was the reminder about knowing where to go when something does happen. Because let's be honest… summer always comes with something. Mystery rashes, bug bites, playground falls, fevers that pop up on vacation weekends, random accidents that somehow happen five minutes before dinner.
Knowing whether something needs your pediatrician, urgent care, or the emergency room can save so much stress in the moment. I personally love that Atrium Health Levine Children's has so many pediatric-focused options for families here in the Charlotte area. As a mom, it gives me peace of mind knowing there are specialists and pediatric teams who truly work with kids every single day.
At the end of the day, summer should be fun. It should be messy and loud and full of memories. And while we can't prevent every scraped knee or every accident, I do think a little preparation helps all of us feel a little more confident so we can enjoy every moment with our families.
Here's to pool days, splash pads, sunscreen-covered toddlers, late bedtimes, summer camps, family adventures, and making the most of every moment this summer.
