Dr. Rod Lim discusses the risks of summer play and how to keep kids safe
As temperatures rise and families spend more time outdoors, it's important to understand how heat and summer activities can affect children's health and safety. Dr. Rod Lim, Pediatric Emergency Physician at Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, shares what parents should know to help keep children safe this summer.
Wildfire smoke has descended on southwestern Ontario, what complications can this cause for outdoor safety?
Dr. Rod Lim: Wildfire smoke complicates safety during outdoor activity due to changes and dangers associated with air quality. Prolonged exposure can be harmful but even limited exposure to children suffering from breathing difficulties such as asthma can be serious in nature. Parents are advised to monitor air quality and watch for symptoms in their children. Pregnant people and vulnerable populations should limit time outdoors during air quality warnings.
How can extreme heat affect children?
Dr. Rod Lim: Extreme heat can affect anyone, but children are especially vulnerable. They naturally want to be outside enjoying the weather, but they may not recognize when they're becoming overheated or dehydrated. Younger children, in particular, may not be able to communicate how they're feeling. That's why it's important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention and be aware that heat exposure can have serious health effects.
What signs of heat-related illness should parents watch for?
Dr. Rod Lim: Changes in behaviour are often one of the first warning signs. Children may become unusually irritable, complain of headaches or dizziness, or seem more tired than usual. You may notice heavy sweating, or in more serious situations, they may stop sweating altogether. Their skin may feel hot, and they may appear uncomfortable or lethargic. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to move them to a cooler area, encourage fluids and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
We’ve seen a number of water rescues and drownings this summer. How are heat and water safety connected?
Dr. Rod Lim: It's not surprising. During hot weather, families naturally head to pools, lakes, beaches and other recreational areas to cool off. But when children are around water, tragedy can happen in just seconds. That's why constant supervision is critical. Parents should stay within arm's reach of young children whenever they're near water. If you're boating or participating in water activities, make sure children are wearing properly fitted life jackets and using appropriate safety equipment.
What are the most common water-related injuries seen during the summer?
Dr. Rod Lim: The most serious incidents we see are related to submersion injuries and drownings. That can range from a child briefly falling into a pool and being quickly rescued to much more severe cases where a child spends a prolonged time underwater. These situations can happen very quickly, which is why prevention and close supervision are so important.
What advice do you have for families when it comes to sun safety?
Dr. Rod Lim: Be mindful of how long children are spending outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Dress children in light, breathable clothing and make sure water is readily available so they can stay hydrated. It's also important to pay extra attention to children who may be at higher risk, including young children, those with medical conditions that make them more susceptible to dehydration, and children who may have difficulty communicating their needs. Watching for changes in behaviour and ensuring regular breaks from the heat can go a long way in preventing heat-related illness.
Summer is a popular time for biking, skateboarding and outdoor play. What safety tips should parents keep in mind?
Dr. Rod Lim: I love seeing children enjoy the outdoors. It's healthy, fun and an important part of childhood. But safety always comes first. Make sure children understand basic road and traffic safety, because it only takes a moment for a child to enter a dangerous situation. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is essential for activities like biking, skateboarding and riding scooters. Families should also be aware that e-scooters are not designed for children, and we continue to see injuries related to their use. We want kids to have fun outside, but we also want to make sure they're doing it safely.
Is there one final message you'd like to share with families this summer?
Dr. Rod Lim: Enjoy the warm weather while it's here. We have long winters, so summer is a wonderful time to get outside and stay active. Just remember to take simple precautions, pay attention to heat and water safety, and make safety a priority so everyone can enjoy the season.