Charlotte Pediatrician Shares Summer Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

School's officially out for Charlotte-Mecklenburg students, which means families are heading to pools, splash pads, parks and summer camps across the Queen City.

While summer is one of the best times of the year for making memories, it's also when emergency rooms see a spike in preventable childhood injuries.

To help families enjoy a safe and healthy summer, Dr. William (Will) Besley of Novant Health Matthews Children's Clinic shared the safety habits every parent should know before heading outdoors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJqmuApRgww

💧 1. Assign a Water Watcher

Whether you're spending the afternoon at a neighborhood pool, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, or a backyard splash pad, supervision is your most important safety tool.

Dr. Besley recommends assigning one adult to serve as the "Water Watcher."

Quick Checklist

• One adult should always be watching the water.
• Put the phone away.
• Skip the book.
• Avoid conversations that take your attention away from the kids.
• Rotate every 20–30 minutes if needed.

Remember: Drowning is often silent. Constant supervision saves lives.

🏊 2. Keep Pool Horseplay Safe

Some summer traditions can quickly become dangerous if kids aren't careful around the water.

Avoid These Behaviors

• Throwing children into the pool
• Diving into shallow water
• Running on slippery pool decks
• Roughhousing near the edge of the pool

These situations can lead to serious head, neck and spinal injuries. Setting expectations before everyone jumps in can prevent a fun afternoon from ending in an emergency room visit.

🚲 3. No Helmet, No Ride

Whether your family is exploring the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, enjoying Freedom Park, or riding around the neighborhood, helmets should be non-negotiable.

Helmet Rule

• Bikes
• Scooters
• Skateboards
• Hoverboards
• E-bikes

A properly fitted helmet dramatically reduces the risk of serious head injuries. Kids are also much more likely to wear one if they see parents wearing helmets too.

☀️ 4. Protect Kids From the Sun

Charlotte summers are known for intense sunshine and humidity.

Sun Safety Checklist

• Apply sunscreen before heading outside.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Reapply after swimming or sweating.
• Wear hats and lightweight clothing.
• Seek shade during the hottest part of the day.

🌡️ 5. Beat the Heat

Many Charlotte kids spend their summers at camps, sports practices and outdoor activities.

Help Prevent Heat Illness

• Drink water regularly.
• Take breaks in the shade.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing.
• Schedule outdoor play earlier in the morning or later in the evening whenever possible.

⚽ 6. Keep Kids Active

Summer shouldn't become three months of screen time.

Dr. Besley encourages families to take advantage of Charlotte's parks, greenways and outdoor spaces while staying mindful of hydration and sun safety.

Whether you're visiting Romare Bearden Park, walking a local greenway or cooling off at a splash pad, staying active benefits both physical and mental health.

🏞️ Charlotte Summer Resources

• Mecklenburg County Aquatics
• Charlotte Parks & Recreation
• Romare Bearden Park
• Ray's Splash Planet

Queen City Scoop Take

Summer should be remembered for cannonballs, bike rides, backyard cookouts and late sunsets—not emergency room visits.

By making a few simple habits part of your family's routine, including assigning a Water Watcher, wearing helmets, staying hydrated and recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion, you can help ensure your children have a fun, healthy and memorable summer.

Here's to making safe memories all season long across the Queen City.