KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE THIS SUMMER

With the arrival of summer and school vacations, families increasingly head to beaches, swimming pools, and parks to enjoy the outdoors.
Children, in particular, spend long hours playing under the sun. However, this season of recreation can also conceal serious health risks, especially as temperatures rise across much of the world.
International health experts warn that children are among the most vulnerable to heat-related complications. Their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults', increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke — conditions that can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing efficient temperature regulation systems. This is particularly true for those under four years old.
In addition, young children often fail to recognise early signs of thirst or fatigue, continuing to play even as their body temperature rises.
Prolonged physical activity in hot weather further increases metabolic heat production, making them more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illness.
Medical experts note that children and adolescents are also prone to ignoring early warning signs while engaging in extended outdoor play, which heightens the risk of heat cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Heat-related illnesses generally fall into two categories: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion is the milder condition, usually caused by excessive fluid and salt loss through sweating. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, dizziness, and weakness, while the individual remains conscious. Body temperature typically stays below 40°C.
Heatstroke, however, is far more severe. It occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, causing a rapid rise above 40°C. Sweating may stop, and confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness can occur. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Dr Huda al Shibli, Senior Emergency Medicine Specialist at Sohar Hospital, emphasises that heatstroke is among the most dangerous heat-related conditions, as it can quickly affect vital organ function if not treated promptly.
She adds that heat exhaustion, while less severe, can progress to heatstroke if fluids are not replaced and early symptoms are ignored.
If symptoms appear, immediate action is critical. Move the person to a cool, shaded area, loosen clothing, and lower body temperature using cool water, cold compresses, and ventilation.
If conscious, they should be encouraged to drink water. Medical help should be sought urgently if symptoms persist or if confusion or unconsciousness occurs.
Preventive measures remain the most effective safeguard. Experts recommend avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours, ensuring regular hydration, wearing light and breathable clothing, using hats and shade, and consuming water-rich foods such as watermelon and cucumber.
Children should also be taught to recognise early signs of heat stress and must never be left inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can become dangerously high within minutes.
Ultimately, summer should be a season of joy, not danger. While children enjoy outdoor play, their bodies may silently struggle under extreme heat.
Careful planning of outdoor activities, consistent hydration, and sun protection are essential to keeping them safe.
As temperatures continue to rise year after year, family awareness remains the strongest line of defence. A few minutes of precaution can make the difference between a pleasant summer memory and a medical emergency — ensuring that the season remains both enjoyable and safe.