The carefree holiday season has already begun, but let us not forget the most important thing – safety. Some of you are already enjoying your long-awaited vacations, while others are still counting down the days. When on vacation with children, you must be extra vigilant – some of you have surely already experienced this. We often mention that accident insurance (NNW) is essential before going on holiday. NNW is basic protection throughout the year, but due to more frequent travels in summer, the risk of accidents may increase. Insurance is one of the most important elements when planning a holiday, but how should we behave on-site to ensure the whole family has a safe vacation?

Do not take your eyes off your child

Especially when spending time near water. As a child’s guardian, you must always know whether your child is playing in the water or on the shore. When your child enters the water, never leave them unsupervised. Regardless of whether you are on the beach by the sea or by a shallow river, the risk of drowning or choking is the same. Statistics show that, contrary to appearances, sea waters are not the most dangerous – accidents occur far more often at lakes or rivers. The calm current of a river may lull us into a false sense of security, but we should always carefully observe children at play. There are known cases of drownings even in backyard ponds or shallow park fountains, so we should never underestimate any threat.

Avoid alcohol, especially when supervising children

Alcohol significantly impairs cognitive abilities, and thus your ability to watch over and ensure children’s safety after excessive drinking is very limited. Alcohol poses an additional risk if you plan to spend time near water – a large percentage of annual drownings result from overestimating one’s abilities after drinking. What if the child feels unwell and the parents are unable to take them to the doctor? If you want to enjoy a drink during vacation, always do so in moderation and ensure at least one guardian remains sober.

Drink plenty of water

Children can completely forget to drink while playing, and during hot summer days dehydration is easy. Parents must remember to regularly give children water and ensure proper hydration, as children may not drink enough on their own to avoid health complications.

Sun protection

Summer months are when the sun rarely hides behind clouds, and its rays strongly affect our skin. Sunscreen with at least SPF 50 should be a basic necessity in every bathroom and travel bag. Sunscreen must be applied before any sun exposure, not just at the beach. Teaching children to use sunscreen from an early age will result in healthier skin later in life: lower risk of skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. Remember, the idea of a “healthy tan” is a myth – any tan, whether brown or red, means skin damage from UV radiation. Eye protection with sunglasses that block UV (300–400) and a hat are also essential. Avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

Beware of poisonous fruits

It is important to teach children not to eat fruits found randomly in the forest or park. Never allow your child to eat fruits you are unsure about. Many cases of poisoning among children are caused by poisonous berries that resemble edible ones. Always keep an eye on children when walking in the forest.

Safe car travel

During vacations we often travel long distances by car to reach our holiday destinations. To ensure the family’s safety, it is necessary to check the technical condition of the vehicle before the trip. For peace of mind, it is worth having good comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance, which in case of an accident or breakdown will help you reach your destination or return home safely (e.g., by providing a replacement car, repairing the car on-site, or arranging accommodation near the place of the incident). If children are still small and require car seats, never allow an ill-fitted seat. The car seat must match the child’s height and weight and be properly installed. We discussed how to choose a car seat in one of our previous articles.

To spend a safe holiday, all it takes is a little imagination. Before leaving, plan your trip carefully, and once there, make responsible and thoughtful decisions. We wish everyone a pleasant and safe vacation!