Safety Tips For The Summer
As a person who has had a spinal cord injury, I belong to the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Here are some great tips for you and your kids to follow to avoid breaking your neck or back with summer activities.
Dear Debbie,
Happy Fourth of July!
Usually my brothers and I were in the middle of the act when my mom caught us and yelled, "Michael, Robbie, Andrew, knock that off, you're going to break your necks!" We could have been doing anything from riding our bikes off the roof of the shed to swinging from tree to tree on our Tarzan ropes.
She was right, as usual. And her message was right on. I just want to remind you to take the time beforehand to point out the dangers to your kids. They are bombarded with messages all day, but nothing will get their attention more then you sitting down with them for a second and reminding them you would rather not see them break their necks this summer.
Some of our warnings seem obvious, like don't dive into shallow water, yet each year about 6,500 teens end up in the emergency room because of a diving accident. Our recent Paralysis Survey showed that 200,000 Americans are living with paralysis resulting from sporting and recreational activity accidents.
So, play it safe this summer. Review the Reeve Foundation Safety Checklist with your family, especially the teens and young children in your life.
Driving
Buckle up… properly! Bottom strap across hips and shoulder strap across chest.
Do not be distracted by other passengers, motorists, cell phones, radio, etc. Stay focused!
Obey car and booster seat guidelines.
Swimming and diving
Do not dive in less than nine feet of water.
No board, no diving!
Personal watercrafts
Be watchful, defensive, obey speeds, and keep your distance.
Body boarding
Hold board so it extends past head.
General Water Safety
Do not combine alcohol and water-related activities!
Be aware of sandbars.
Feet-first entry.
Bicycle Riding
Wear a helmet … properly! A helmet should be worn snug, fitted, and level.
Replace helmet after three to five years and/or if cracked.
Read more about how to prevent spinal cord injuries.
As a friend of the Reeve Foundation, you understand how a spinal cord injury can change a life. Please help us get the word out and share these tips with your family and friends by downloading our summer tips badges, banners, and flyers. It is especially important to remind young people to play it safe this summer.
Thanks for your help, and enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July, and the rest of the summer.
Forward to a friend.
Sincerely,
Rob Gerth
Director, Online Communications
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
ChristopherReeve.org
Dear Debbie,
Happy Fourth of July!
Usually my brothers and I were in the middle of the act when my mom caught us and yelled, "Michael, Robbie, Andrew, knock that off, you're going to break your necks!" We could have been doing anything from riding our bikes off the roof of the shed to swinging from tree to tree on our Tarzan ropes.
She was right, as usual. And her message was right on. I just want to remind you to take the time beforehand to point out the dangers to your kids. They are bombarded with messages all day, but nothing will get their attention more then you sitting down with them for a second and reminding them you would rather not see them break their necks this summer.
Some of our warnings seem obvious, like don't dive into shallow water, yet each year about 6,500 teens end up in the emergency room because of a diving accident. Our recent Paralysis Survey showed that 200,000 Americans are living with paralysis resulting from sporting and recreational activity accidents.
So, play it safe this summer. Review the Reeve Foundation Safety Checklist with your family, especially the teens and young children in your life.
Driving
Buckle up… properly! Bottom strap across hips and shoulder strap across chest.
Do not be distracted by other passengers, motorists, cell phones, radio, etc. Stay focused!
Obey car and booster seat guidelines.
Swimming and diving
Do not dive in less than nine feet of water.
No board, no diving!
Personal watercrafts
Be watchful, defensive, obey speeds, and keep your distance.
Body boarding
Hold board so it extends past head.
General Water Safety
Do not combine alcohol and water-related activities!
Be aware of sandbars.
Feet-first entry.
Bicycle Riding
Wear a helmet … properly! A helmet should be worn snug, fitted, and level.
Replace helmet after three to five years and/or if cracked.
Read more about how to prevent spinal cord injuries.
As a friend of the Reeve Foundation, you understand how a spinal cord injury can change a life. Please help us get the word out and share these tips with your family and friends by downloading our summer tips badges, banners, and flyers. It is especially important to remind young people to play it safe this summer.
Thanks for your help, and enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July, and the rest of the summer.
Forward to a friend.
Sincerely,
Rob Gerth
Director, Online Communications
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
ChristopherReeve.org
