For kids, Summer is the season of play—long days filled with bike rides, sports, swimming, and outdoor adventures. But in order for kids to enjoy all the fun, sometimes extra precautions should be taken to keep them safe and healthy. Simple safety practices can go a long way in preventing injuries and illness, without limiting the amount of fun to be had. Here are three essential summer safety tips every family should know to ensure their child has an active, fun-filled, and safe summer:
Beat the Heat
Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are some of the most common risks kids face in the summer. With all the running, jumping, and sweating, it’s easy for children to forget to break for water. Encourage your child to drink water regularly—even if they don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration is cumulative, meaning it adds up day after day. That’s why water should always be the go-to drink during and after physical activity.
Also, make sure they wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take breaks in the shade or indoors when the sun is strongest (typically between 10 AM and 4 PM). Be prepared with ice packs and cold snacks for when children need a refresher!
Kids enjoy a water bounce house as a team member sprays them with water during MPAMA’s Summer Picnic 2024.
Sun Safety
Sunburn isn’t just painful and unsightly—it can lead to long-term skin damage. Kids should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside, and it should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses can also help guard sensitive areas like the scalp and eyes from harmful rays.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still be harmful to human skin. Making sun protection a daily habit teaches kids to take charge of their own health, and helps prevent problems down the road.
A mom, wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, poses with her son as they play a game of Ladder Ball during MPAMA’s 2024 Summer Picnic.
Gear Up!
Whether your child is riding a bike, skating, or playing sports, wearing the right protective gear is crucial. However, kids tend to think they are “too cool” for safety measures. Remind them that helmets, pads, and appropriate footwear should be worn to help prevent common injuries like sprains, fractures, and concussions. Check that all equipment fits properly and is in good condition. Remind your child to follow safety rules and be aware of their surroundings, especially when playing in areas where cars or other people are nearby.
Simple safety gear can make a big difference. No one wants to spend their summer in a cast, and even just one conversation about helmet use or proper footwear can prevent a serious injury, and lets kids enjoy Summer to its fullest.
A Summer Camper wearing a Spider-Man helmet smiles while riding his bike outside.
The MPAMA Way
At Master Peter’s Academy of Martial Arts, safety is more than a policy—it’s a part of everything we do. Our summer camps and classes are designed to keep kids active in a structured and supervised environment. Every activity we lead includes proper warm-ups, hydration breaks, and safety checks. We take pride in creating a space where kids can push themselves, try new things, and grow—without compromising their health or well-being. Our instructors are trained not only to teach skills but also to instill safety habits that stick with kids beyond the mat!
Conclusion
Summer is a time for growth, adventure, and energy—but it’s even better when done safely. By teaching kids to hydrate regularly, protect themselves from the sun, and use the right gear, we empower them to enjoy everything summer has to offer. And with the help of MPAMA’s programs, families can feel confident knowing their children are learning in a positive, protective environment. Stay active, stay safe, and make this summer one to remember!