KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Helmets are non-negotiable. A properly fitted helmet significantly reduces the risk of head and brain injury for kids on bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
• E-scooter injuries are rising. Research shows e-scooter and e-bike injuries are increasing, particularly among children and teenagers. Helmet use remains critically low across all age groups.
• Sunscreen needs to be reapplied. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after water play.
• Kids dehydrate faster than adults. Keep water accessible and watch for signs of overheating, especially during peak heat hours.
• Fireworks are explosives. Even sparklers can cause serious burns. When in doubt, leave fireworks to professional displays.
• Eyes on the water. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Active supervision around any body of water is essential.
SUMMARY:
Summer means more time outdoors, and for kids, that often means bikes, pools, backyard fireworks and long days in the sun. Most bumps and scrapes are part of growing up. But some injuries are serious enough to change a child’s life, and many of them are preventable. This article covers practical summer injury prevention tips for children, covering bike and e-scooter safety, sun protection, hydration, fireworks, and water safety. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or grandparent, these strategies can help the kids in your life have a safer, healthier summer.
If you have kids, you already know: accidents happen. Over a single summer, active kids can rack up a respectable collection of bruised elbows and scraped knees. Most of those bumps are just part of growing up.
But some childhood injuries can be life-changing, and with a little prevention, many are avoidable. OhioHealth emergency medicine physician Ryan Squier, MD, provides his best tips on keeping kids safe this summer. Bonus: this advice works for grown-ups, too.
Bike and e-scooter safety
Learning to ride a bike means the occasional tumble, but a head injury from a fall can cause lasting damage. “I tell my own kids, ‘You only have one head, so protect it,’” says Squier. “Make sure your kids wear a helmet anytime they’re on a bike. There’s no amount of riding that’s safe without one.”
Follow this helmet fit checklist:
- A helmet should sit level on your child’s head, no more than two finger widths above their eyebrows.
- The helmet’s V-shaped straps should pass underneath each ear.
- The chin strap is adjusted to feel snug, with room for only one finger between the strap and chin.
Electric scooters (e-scooters) and bikes (e-bikes) have become a common sight throughout cities and neighborhoods. They offer a fun, low-cost way to get around, but also come with real safety risks, especially for children and teenagers. A 2026 Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study found children accounted for more than 45% of e-scooter-related injuries including head injuries, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones.
Make sure to practice e-scooter and e-bike safety:
- Always wear a helmet, regardless of how short the trip is.
- Follow local road regulations and ride in designated areas away from heavy traffic when possible.
- Avoid riding at night without proper lights and reflective gear.
- Never ride while distracted.
Kids should also stay aware of their surroundings while riding bikes or e-scooters. “Teach them to watch for vehicles in the road and in driveways, boost their visibility with lights and bright clothing, and help them learn the rules of the road,” says Squier.
Sun safety
“Sunburns raise the chance of developing skin cancer later in life,” says Squier, “and they’re very uncomfortable. A child’s skin is more sensitive and susceptible to sunburn, so parents need to stay mindful of protection.”
- Cover all exposed skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. “Don’t forget ears, neck, feet, and hands,” says Squier.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Reapply right after kids play in the water.
- Limit time outdoors when the sun is strongest, between 10 AM and 4 PM
Stay hydrated
“Summer is prime time for heatstroke and dehydration in children,” says Squier. “Kids have lower fluid reserves than adults, so when the heat climbs, the risk of severe dehydration goes up.”
- Keep water close by, and make sure kids drink plenty of it.
- Watch out for sugary drinks. They can actually make dehydration worse.
- Build in breaks from activities. Have kids rest in the shade and cool off for a bit.
Fireworks safety
“Fireworks are explosives; it’s important not to forget that,” says Squier. “I’d prefer people leave fireworks to the professionals. But if they’re part of your family celebration, parents need to model responsible use.”
- Ideally, only one adult lights all fireworks from a single designated spot.
- Never hold any type of firework while setting it off.
- Keep two buckets of water nearby: one to soak duds and one to collect spent fireworks.
- Sparklers cause many of the firework injuries treated in emergency departments. They burn at 2,000 degrees, hot enough to burn skin, ignite clothing and even melt some metals. Consider skipping them this summer.
Water safety
“Whether you’re at the pool, on the beach or in a boat, keep your eyes on your kids,” says Squier. “It’s smart for kids to swim in pairs, no matter how confident you feel about their swimming skills.”
- The old advice to wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming still holds true. It helps kids avoid cramping that could make swimming harder.
- Make sure kids take regular breaks from swimming. A 10- to 15-minute rest every hour gives their bodies time to recover from activity.
Here’s hoping you have a happy, healthy summer. And if you ever need us, OhioHealth’s urgent care locations and emergency departments are never far away.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child safely ride an e-scooter or e-bike?
There is no universal federal age requirement for e-scooters or e-bikes, and regulations vary by state and municipality. Regardless of age, children should always wear a properly fitted helmet and should only ride in safe, designated areas away from heavy traffic. Parents should check local laws before allowing their child to ride.
How do I know if a bike helmet fits correctly?
A properly fitted helmet sits level on the head, no more than two finger widths above the eyebrows. The V-shaped straps should pass just beneath each ear, and the chin strap should be snug enough that only one finger fits between the strap and the chin
What sunscreen should I use on my child?
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including ears, the back of the neck, feet, and hands. Reapply every two hours and after water play. Check out our sunscreen guide for more information
How much water should kids drink in the summer?
Children need more fluids in hot weather because they have lower fluid reserves than adults. Keep water readily available and encourage regular sips throughout the day, not just when they feel thirsty. Avoid sugary beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Is it safe to swim right after eating?
Waiting 30 minutes after eating may help kids avoid cramping while swimming
Are sparklers safe for children?
Sparklers are one of the leading causes of fireworks-related emergency department visits. They can burn at approximately 2,000 degrees, hot enough to burn skin, ignite clothing and melt some metals. Supervised professional fireworks displays are a safer alternative for families with young children.
