Heat, water safety top of mind for Middle Georgia families

Medical professionals say parents should watch for signs of overheating, keep kids hydrated and supervise closely around water.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Many kids are visiting local pools, splash pads and beaches this summer, but the heat can be a major factor in limiting the fun.

41NBC spoke with medical professionals for tips to keep your kiddos safe in hot summer weather.  

Piedmont Macon Physician Assistant Ellington Day says younger kids are more subject to heat exhaustion, which is a step before a heat stroke. Your child’s temperature will increase, and a heat stroke could follow soon after, with the child being confused, having a seizure or a loss of consciousness.  

“Their systems are a lot smaller, and they have to adapt a little bit differently,” Day said. “And they also don’t have as many limits as we do. When adults know that we are hot, we go inside; they just want to push through it a lot of times.”

Day says taking your kids out to play earlier in the day or later in the evening due to the lower temperature. She says there is also a difference between thirst and dehydration.  

“So kids will sometimes start sweating a lot,” Day said. “As far as dehydration; sometimes you can look at their mucous membrane, or in their mouth, if it’s a little bit dryer than normal. But the best thing to prevent dehydration is to drink before you’re thirsty.”

She recommends dressing your children in loose fitting clothing, light colors and lots of sunscreen. Day says to keep your child hydrated at all times, give them water or sport drinks with electrolytes. She provided tips on how to handle a child that is overheating. 

“Get them to a cool and shaded area, remove excessive clothing,” she said. “You can put cold water on them and cool towels.”

Dr. Christy Peterson, a pediatrician with Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care, explains that while kids are in the water, parents should be supervising at all times. 

“If it’s a lake, they can disappear,” Peterson said. “They don’t have the body fat that adults might have to help them be buoyant, and they’re very top heavy, so their head is the first thing to sink.”

Both professionals recommend giving your kids breaks throughout the day to come in and cool down and say everyone should drink plenty of water and wear protection from the sun.