Heat Safety Tips to Keep Kids Cool and Healthy During Summer Camp

By: Oneith Cadiz, MD, director of Injury Free Coalition for Kids Miami

While summer camp is an opportunity for kids to have fun, enjoy the season, and explore, there can be dangers when it comes to the warmer weather, especially in South Florida. As a parent, ensuring your child stays safe and healthy in the heat is important. Here are some heat safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Hydration is key

Children are more vulnerable to dehydration. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Pack a reusable water bottle and remind them to refill it regularly. Camps often provide water breaks, but teaching your kids the importance of drinking water, even when they’re not thirsty, can help prevent dehydration.

2. Dress for the weather

Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing helps reflect heat and keep the body cool. Choose breathable fabrics, like cotton. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays.

3. Apply sunscreen regularly

A good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be applied to your child’s skin 30 minutes before they head outside. Make sure to cover all exposed areas, including the back of the neck and ears (which are often overlooked). Pack sunscreen in their bag, and teach them how to reapply it every two hours, or more often if they are swimming or sweating.

4. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses

Educate your kids about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and heavy sweating. Teach them to ask for help immediately if they feel any of these symptoms. Make sure camp staff are trained to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.

6. Pack nutritious snacks

Healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, which have high water content, can help with hydration and provide important vitamins and minerals. Avoid salty snacks, as they can contribute to dehydration.

7. Communicate with the camp staff

Communicating with the staff at your child’s camp is also essential to making sure they’re safe while in someone else’s care. One way to ensure your kids are secure is to ask about vehicle safety. Always make sure to ask about extreme heat precautions and travel protocols to make sure no child is left behind in a hot car. The number of children who are accidentally left in vehicles increases nationwide each summer, so don’t be afraid to communicate with camp staff to ensure your kids are never left alone.

Whenever possible, encourage your children to play in the shade. It’s not uncommon for kids to feel tired or irritable after playing in hot weather. During periods of high heat, make sure to schedule additional rest breaks. Regularly bring your child indoors to relax and cool down. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable summer camp experience, even in the hottest weather.

If you suspect that your child might be suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, visit your closest UHealth Jackson Children’s Care emergency room.