Summer has begun, which means more outdoor activities and finding ways to cool down. Cook Children's Health Care System experts share tips for parents on how to keep children safe and prepared for the heat, from cooling down at the pool to summer travel safety.

As the 4^th of July approaches, we are sharing the latest drowning data from Cook Children’s Health Care System. As of January 1 to June 18, there were 20 drownings treated at Cook Children’s, two of which were fatal. Most of these patients have been in the 5-year-old and under age group.

So far in 2025, there has been a decrease with 18 drownings and two fatalities. Most drownings in 2025 have occurred in a swimming pool or spa, second highest were bathtub-related.

While most drowning encounters were not fatal, drowning injuries can result in severe effects, especially on a child’s brain development. Drownings can happen silently and quickly. A submerged person might not attract attention or appear to be in danger.

Cool Down: Water safety and drowning prevention

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids 5-14 in Texas.  Eighty-eight percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present. 

• Wear swimsuits with bright colors that are easily detectable in water.
• Designate an adult Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision of children in and around water.
• Implement 15-minute shifts for Water Watchers.
• No Distractions: The Water Watcher must have no distractions, including conversations, phones, reading, or consuming alcohol.
• Communication is key: Talk with all caregivers (family and friends) about your child’s swim ability or water competency skills.
• Never assume that adults will be watching, but rather verbally confirm it before leaving your child in their care.
• Barriers: Locks, alarms, and pool fences can help keep unsupervised young children from entering swimming pools.

Fun in the Sun: Boating Safety

The risk of drowning in open water triples at age 15. Setting safety expectations with the whole family ahead of time is paramount. Most drowning fatalities in natural water are not related to boating. Texas law requires that all children 13 and under wear a life jacket while on a boat. Cook Children's Health Care System supports over 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations in North Texas lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The goal is to make sure no child or adult drowns at a public lake because they did not have access to a life jacket.

• Make sure life jacket usage is mandatory, along with adult supervision.
• Toe In/Vest On Policy: If a toe is in the water, a life jacket goes on.
• Life Jackets: Must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
• When your life jacket is on, ensure that it is buckled on your child as directed.  Always. 
• Know water conditions before getting into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary daily.  

Heat Safety

Spending too much time in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• Stay hydrated: Water is best, but other fluids count if they do not include caffeine.
• Hot car danger: Make a habit of double-checking your backseat each time you get out of the car.
• Watch out for hot buckles on car seats, as these can cause burns on your child’s skin.
• Be aware of heat illness. Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s On

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is key. 

• Use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Cover skin with SPF clothing.
• Apply sunscreen generously and frequently, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
• For infants: Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep their skin covered with lightweight pants, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that protect your child’s eyes from at least 97% of the UV rays. 
• If you are worried about any burn, even if it seems minor, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Fireworks
Fireworks can cause severe injuries that are both harmful and painful to children. Children should never handle fireworks. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees, making them dangerous for young children.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.
• If setting off fireworks at home, adults should only set them off in a “kid-free” zone.
• Adults should not hold fireworks in their hands or keep any part of their body over them while lighting.
• Avoid accidental burns: keep children away from bonfires and grills.

If you have been in for a well check this summer, you may have heard me ask your child this question. Why do I ask?  I ask because I am genuinely interested. I have gotten some great recommendations of books for my children to read and books to read aloud as a family from all of you. I also ask because I want your child to know that the adults around them think reading is important and I am hoping that this small question may help them grow in a love of reading. So as we share book titles together this summer, here are some ideas to get and keep your kid reading.

For toddlers that won't sit still: Don't worry about reading the entire story to them. Look at the pictures, point things out on the pages, have them find things on the pages. The Richard Scarry books are great for this and we read them over and over when my kids were this age.

For the school age child that maybe doesn't love reading yet: Get them books on topics they love. Does your boy love Legos? Then Lego® books. Does your girl love animals? Then try National Geographic kids’ animal fact books. They have lots of pictures and fun, short reading sections. Is your kid funny? Then try a joke book – be aware that this leads to the most ridiculous knock-knock jokes being read aloud to you.

For your older school age or teen child: Be a two-person book club. I have done this a few times with my older child and he loves it when I read a book at the same time he is reading it, so he can talk to me about the story. He is so excited to share with another person what is happening with the characters and what may happen next.

For all of your kids: Try reading magazines not just books. Sign your kids up for a reading incentive program. The public library and Braum's both have programs. Do you read on your phone? I do it all the time. Let your kids know that you are reading, not playing the latest version of Angry Birds or Minecraft.

I want your kids to love to read the same as I want my own kids to love to read. So share with me the great books you are reading together. I hope to get out on the patio and read and if I am lucky my boys will be right there next to me doing the same.

Happy summer reading!

Dr C

Vanessa Charette, M.D.