The summer months are just around the corner, and for many, this means that children will be out of school and attending summer camp. As you work hard to ensure your children have a busy and fun summer, it is equally as important to make sure your children are safe and protected during their summer activities.
First, we encourage you to ensure that your child’s summer camp has a detailed history of your child’s health history, including any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or previous surgeries and issues. Many camps will have a medical professional on-site and readily accessible should your child need medical attention. If your child has a pre-existing health condition, however, it is important that the camp supervisors and counselors are aware of this and know when it is time to seek outside medical assistance. Also, do not forget to notify the camp staff members about any food allergies and dietary restrictions your child may have! Many camps require notice of this ahead of time to ensure that the staff have time to prepare for your child’s nutrition needs.
Second, it is important to know and understand the types of activities your child will be participating in. Many camp activities take place outside in the hot sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen and other forms of heat protection. If your child will be swimming each day, ensure that the camp counselors are aware of your child’s swimming abilities. If your child is not a particularly strong swimmer, we encourage you to pack floaties and notify the staff ahead of time.
Finally, do not be afraid to ask questions about the qualifications and licenses that the summer camp and its staff has.
It is important that the camp regularly inspects its transportation vehicles, has safety mechanisms readily available, such as life jackets and first aid kits, and has an emergency preparedness plan in place. Further, at least a few of the camp counselors should be certified in CPR and be trained to react in emergency situations.
These are just a few of the ways you can help protect your children while they attend camp this summer. If you are concerned about a safety incident that has taken place, do not wait to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced, local attorneys.