Summer break is almost here, and that means bringing out the ice cream and having poolside fun with the kids. As you gear up for sun-soaked bonding sessions and playdates, it’s important to stay alert.
Certain toys, pool accessories and other summer essentials can pose unexpected risks to you and your little ones. Here are a few to watch out for as the season approaches.
5 summer toys to watch out for
- Water beads: Small and colorful, these are beads made of super-absorbent polymer that can expand 100 times their size in water. Although they are a bath and pool playtime favorite for kids, water beads can be life-threatening if swallowed.
- Trampolines: These can be a fun way to wear out kids, but constant supervision is crucial. Trampolines send thousands of children to the emergency room every year. With children trying to outdo each jump comes the risk of sprains and other serious injuries.
- Pool covers: These can save you on maintenance costs, but poorly designed and installed covers can entrap small children and pets who might fall in the pool.
- Rollerblades: Inline skating is back. While falls are expected, it’s crucial to inspect your child’s pair before use. Last year, thousands of rollerblades were recalled for having defective brakes.
- Bounce houses: These are the star of any children’s party, but they can quickly become a hazard. Exceeding the allowable number of participants, lack of adult supervision and mixing different weights and ages are some common causes of bounce house accidents.
When summer fun may lead to a lawsuit
Summer invites people to let loose and relax, but that can also increase the risk of accidents.
Hosting playdates and summer parties can make your home a hub of fun. However, it comes with the responsibility of ensuring no harm falls on your visitors. If someone gets hurt at your place, you might be liable.
On the other hand, if your child suffers injuries due to a product’s poor design or manufacturing, you might have grounds for a defective product lawsuit.
Creating summer memories is something every parent looks forward to. By taking precautions, you can help ensure that your children’s break is full of nothing but good times.