BC Children's Hospital has recorded an increase in warm weather-related injuries in 2024 to date. Here are some tips for parents and caregivers to keep infants and children safe during warm weather, particularly near windows and balconies and bodies of water:

Window and balcony safety

• Move furniture and planters – or anything that can be climbed on – away from windows.
  
• Install window guards on windows above the ground floor. Fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide. Ensure there's a safety release, in case of fire.
• Talk to your children, if age appropriate, about the dangers of opening or playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of a home or high-rise apartment.
• Screens are easily pushed out. Remember that screens keep bugs out, not children in.
  
• Don't underestimate a child's mobility. Children begin climbing before they can walk; infants are also at risk of window and balcony falls. 
  

Water safety

• Children need constant supervision when they are around any body of water including a wading pool, pond, splash pad, lake or beach.
• Adults should be within an arm's reach at all times and provide 'touch supervision' to infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers.
• Never assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning.
• Personal flotation devices - Ensure children are wearing proper-fitting when they are in or around water.
• Talk to your children, if age appropriate, about the dangers of water and ensure they follow rules and directions.
  

Warm weather safety

• Hydration - Ensure children stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other cool liquids.
• Sunscreen - Apply sunscreen throughout the day and ensure they wear hats, sunglasses, and light-weight clothing in breathable materials.
• Outdoor time - Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
• Seek shade and cool places, like community centres or libraries, splash pads, waterparks or pools.

When to seek care

If your infant or child is experiencing a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, call 9-1-1 for an ambulance or visit your nearest emergency department or urgent and primary care centre. 

If your infant or child has a non-urgent care need, call 8-1-1 for free healthcare guidance, available 24/7, or speak to your family doctor or nurse practitioner.