With the school year all wrapped up and summer in full swing, the St. Albert RCMP is reminding families, caregivers and youth to take steps to stay safe during the summer months.
As children and teens spend more time outdoors, in parks and public spaces, police are reminding parents, caregivers and youth to keep safety top of mind.
The RCMP has shared the following tips to help families enjoy a safe and active summer:
Sun and heat safety:
- Always remove children from vehicles, even if you are just stepping away for a moment. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to dangerous levels.
- Keep hydrated. Ensure children are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially during high temperatures.
- Plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Bike and pedestrian safety:
- Make sure everyone is wearing a helmet. Under provincial legislation, helmets are mandatory for children and youth when biking, skateboarding or riding scooters. A St. Albert bylaw states helmets are mandatory for everyone, including adults.
- Children should be reminded to use crosswalks, follow traffic signals and avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile phones when near roads.
- Wear reflective clothing or accessories to enhance visibility during the evening.
Water safety:
- Active supervision is crucial around lakes, pools and other bodies of water. Even strong swimmers can have difficulties.
- Life jackets should be worn when boating or swimming in open water.
- Remind children not to swim alone and to stay within designated swimming areas.
Personal and community awareness:
- Know where your children are, who they're with and when they're expected home.
- Encourage kids to play in familiar areas and stay within the discussed areas.
- Teach children what to do if approached by a stranger or if they feel unsafe. Make sure they understand the importance of reporting suspicious activity to a trusted adult or police.
Online and digital safety:
- Discuss appropriate internet use, privacy settings and the importance of not sharing personal information. As kids have more downtime, they may spend more time online.
- Encourage open communication and remind youth to report any concerning or inappropriate online interactions.
The St. Albert RCMP wants to remind the community that we all play a role in protecting our youth. If you witness suspicious or unsafe activity involving children or teens, the RCMP encourages you to report it to your local RCMP detachment.
