The summer holidays arrive and bathing on the beach and in the pool is the most recurring thing to alleviate the high temperatures, as well as frequenting water parks. The Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) Remember that fun must be accompanied by safety, especially among minors. According to the last National Drowning Report (INA) issued by the Royal Spanish Federation of Rescue and Lifesaving, in 2022, a total of 37 people between the ages of 0 and 17 have died for this reason.
The highest percentage of accidents occurs between 11 and 17 years, followed by 0 to 3 years. “In older children we must take into account the risk activities and in the little ones to have one surveillance and supervision constant in the vicinity of aquatic spaces. We must be extremely vigilant in places where there are no lifeguards, since almost 80% occur when there are no such personnel and half of the cases occur between July and August”, says Dr. Pedro Gorrotxategi, Vice President of AEPap. Safety systems are necessary especially among children who are starting to swim. “The best security system is, without a doubt, the vest, as long as it complies with quality standards”, says Dr. Gorrotxategi. Despite using safety accessories, it is important that families know that, when in the water, young children have to be within arm’s reach of an adult. On the occasion of the start of the summer holidays for many families, AEPap also points out that, in addition to maximizing safety in the water, it is very important to do so outside when protect yourself from the sunl taking all kinds of precautions. In particular, Primary Care paediatricians indicate that it is necessary to avoid taking it between 12 and 17 hours and always using quality protection factors.

Play sports and eat well to have a healthy summer

Taking advantage of the holidays to play outside is also very important for the development of children, in addition to avoiding a sedentary life that promotes childhood obesity. In the words of Dr. Teresa Cenarro, vice president of AEPap and coordinator of the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, “the summer months are a good time to learn healthy lifestyle habits and it is time to prepare family recipes, promoting a healthy, fun and appetizing food”. The AEPap dissemination website proposes a series of plans and activities to motivate them and also to continue learning. Food at this time of year must also be taken care of. On vacation there is usually more freedom when it comes to consuming certain foods. Despite the fact that certain foods are not appetizing in summer and people eat more outside the home, there are infinite ways to build a healthy menuwithout forgetting the consumption of fruits, vegetables and vegetables daily. Finally, Family and Health proposes, as every year, its decalogue to spend a healthy summer:

Water is the ideal drink if you are thirsty When it’s hot, it’s best to drink water frequently. Fill the plate with lots of fruit and vegetables. Five meals a day and without going overboard with portion sizes. In summer we like cool and light things.
Beware of the sunLook for shady places, and on the beach, don’t forget the umbrella. Wear clothing that covers a good part of the body, a hat, and sunglasses. Babies always in the shade. Sunscreen creams must be resistant to water and with a protection factor greater than 30. They should be applied at least 30 minutes before the sun is going to hit us and repeat every 2 hours. When traveling by car, always use child restraint systems Approved appropriate to the size and age of the child. It is safer in the rear facing direction and in the center area of ​​the rear seat. Avoid second hand chairs. Never leave children alone in the car. For prevent drowning in the pool and on the beach, children should always be supervised by an adult (not by another child). Pools must be fully fenced. And there better be a lifeguard. Children must learn to swim as soon as possible. The trips with children must be planned. Be careful with henna tattoos because they can damage the skin, even in the long term. In case of jellyfish stings you have to clean without rubbing with salt water or serum and apply cold. To keep infections at bay, we must insist more on Hygiene in the kitchen and hand washing.