Pediatrician recommends ‘layers’ of protection to keep children safe in the sun, around water | Health
As summer temperatures rise across Ohio, pediatricians are urging parents to prioritize sun protection and water safety to prevent seasonal health risks. According to Dr. Yonit Estrin, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Urgent Care Center in Beachwood, preventing sunburns is essential for long-term skin health, while consistent supervision is the primary defense against the silent, rapid threat of drowning in children.
Did You Know? Drowning can occur in as little as an inch or two of water, and it is a leading cause of death for children under 14, with home swimming pools representing the most common site for incidents involving children under 5.
Protecting Children From Sun Exposure
To prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of future skin cancer, Dr. Estrin advises that babies under 6 months should avoid direct sunlight entirely. If exposure is unavoidable, parents should use wide-brimmed hats and light clothing to cover arms and legs, or conduct a small sunscreen patch test on the foot before applying it to exposed areas.
For children over 6 months, pediatricians recommend applying a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapplication is necessary every two hours or immediately after swimming, as no product is entirely waterproof. Dr. Estrin notes that mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are effective and less likely to irritate sensitive skin, while chemical-based ingredients like oxybenzone should be avoided. When choosing a format, lotions are generally preferred over sprays; if a spray must be used, it should be applied to the hands first to prevent children from inhaling the mist.
Water Safety and Layers of Protection
Water safety requires a multi-layered approach to prevent drowning, which Dr. Estrin describes as a silent and rapid event. Essential safety layers include installing climb-proof fencing at least 4 feet high around home pools and ensuring constant, attentive supervision. For infants and toddlers, this requires “touch supervision” at all times while they are near water.
Inflatable swimming aids do not replace the need for approved life jackets or active adult monitoring. While swim lessons are a recommended layer of protection that can begin in infancy, they do not eliminate the need for vigilance. If a child experiences an incident in the water, medical attention is necessary if they develop a new or worsening cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, or changes in behavior.
Expert Insight: The medical community has shifted away from outdated terminology like “near drowning” or “dry drowning.” Dr. Estrin clarifies that drowning is specifically a respiratory impairment caused by submersion and oxygen deprivation. Terms like “dry drowning” are now considered non-medical labels for rare emergencies where vocal cords spasm due to water inhalation, rather than a distinct condition that occurs after a child has left the water without issue.
What May Happen Next
As families head outdoors, experts expect that consistent application of these safety layers—including sun avoidance during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—will likely reduce the incidence of heat-related skin damage and water-based emergencies. Parents who follow these pediatric guidelines may find themselves better prepared to identify the warning signs of respiratory distress following water exposure, potentially leading to earlier medical interventions if symptoms arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to apply sunscreen to a child?
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to sun-exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside. Lotions are preferred, and if using a spray, apply it to your hands first to prevent the child from breathing in the mist.
Are inflatable floaties safe for children in the pool?
No. Inflatable swimming aids are not a substitute for approved life jackets or the constant, attentive supervision required to prevent drowning.
When should I seek medical help after my child has been in the water?
You should consult a medical professional if your child shows a new or worsening cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, or a change in behavior after a water incident.
What steps are you taking to ensure your family stays safe and protected during outdoor summer activities this year?