Preventing Summer
ER Trips:
Children's Injury Trends
and Statistics 2023

Year-Over-Year Changes in Summertime Hazards

We defined “summertime products” as items typically used during the summer months in and around the home, such as grills, fireworks, lawn care equipment, water toys, lawn games, and fixed installations like decks, pools, and patios. While these products can pose a risk to adults, they are particularly hazardous for children, who may not be aware of their potential dangers.

Compared to the previous year's report findings (2021), the season of sun and play proved to be more hazardous than expected, especially for children.

Last summer, over one million children went to ERs between June and August due to injuries from summertime products. In fact, children accounted for 30% of all ER visits between June and August.

Compared to the previous summer of 2021, there was a significant 14% increase in children’s ER visits, emphasizing the growing concern for children's safety during these warmer months. As shown in the graph above, ER visits aren’t as common in winter and peak in the spring and summer.

Summer Products Most Likely to Injure Children

Summer presents a perfect opportunity for children to take advantage of outdoor play. Still, parents and caregivers need to remain vigilant of the potential dangers that accompany the season. Our analysis of ER visits between June and August 2022 highlights the top five summertime products that caused the most injuries for children.

5 Worst Summertime Products/Activities for Children’s Injuries

By Number of ER visits between June-August 2022

Products with the Biggest Increases in Children’s Injuries in 2022

Based on our analysis of the 2022 NEISS report, we have identified the products with the most significant increases in injuries among children during the summer months (June, July, and August) from 2021 to 2022. The products with the most significant increases in ER visits among children include camping equipment, frisbees, treehouses, and diving boards.

Let's explore why these products are likely to cause injuries and examine some real-life accounts from the data that illustrate how children get injured by these products.

Camping Equipment

Camping activities can expose children to falls, cuts, and burns. In one account from the NEISS database, an 11-year-old was setting up a tent when he fell on a tent spike, resulting in a laceration of his right lower leg. To prevent injuries, it's essential to supervise children during camping activities and teach them proper techniques for setting up and dismantling equipment, especially campfires.

Flying discs

Frisbees and boomerangs can sometimes cause injuries when children play without proper caution. A 10-year-old girl reported that her glasses hit her face while playing frisbee, causing a laceration of her left eyebrow. Parents should encourage children to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions when playing with flying toys, such as removing eyeglasses.

Treehouses

While providing a fun and imaginative play space, treehouses can pose risks due to falls and structural instability. A 7-year-old fell from a treehouse approximately eight feet to the ground, resulting in a closed head injury. Ensuring that treehouses are well-constructed, regularly maintained, and equipped with safety features like railings can help minimize the risk of injuries.

Diving boards

Pool diving boards can be especially hazardous if children engage in risky behavior or are unaware of proper diving techniques. A 6-year-old boy attempted a flip off a diving board at a community pool, hitting the back of his head and back on the board, leading to a head laceration. Parents should ensure children follow safety guidelines and only use diving boards under adult supervision.

Lighter fluids

Accidental ingestion of hazardous substances can also result in emergency room visits. For example, an 18-month-old girl drank some lighter fluid and experienced vomiting but recovered in the ER. Parents should store dangerous substances out of children's reach and use child-resistant packaging to prevent such incidents.

By understanding the risks associated with these products and the circumstances that lead to injuries, parents can take appropriate measures to ensure their children's safety during summertime activities.

Pool Safety Tips for Children

While pools provide hours of enjoyment, it's essential to remember that they can also present risks to children. In fact, between 2021 and 2022, injuries from diving or diving boards increased a staggering 72%, swimming pool slide injuries rose 49%, and swimming pool chemical injuries rose 37%.

Parents and caregivers must remember that pool time also comes with potential hazards. To help ensure a fun and safe swimming experience for your children, we've compiled a list of pool safety tips based on the pool products most likely to cause injuries. The tips are arranged in descending order, starting with the products that caused the most injuries in the summer of 2022.

Swimming (activity, apparel, or equipment) – 68,987 injuries:

When it comes to swimming, ensuring your children have age-appropriate swimming lessons is essential. Encourage them to swim with a buddy or under adult supervision, and provide life jackets or flotation devices as needed. It's also crucial to teach children about potential hazards, such as swimming in areas with strong currents or sudden drop-offs. Establish rules with your children before you take them swimming, and enroll them in swimming lessons if possible.

Built-in swimming pools – 6,084 injuries:

Regular inspection and maintenance of built-in swimming pools and their surroundings are necessary to ensure safety. Using slip-resistant materials for the pool deck can minimize the risk of falls, and clearly marking pool depths can prevent diving-related injuries. Creating a physical barrier, such as a pool fence, can also help prevent accidental access to the pool area.

Diving or diving boards – 4,055 injuries:

Teaching children proper diving techniques and allowing diving only in deep water can help reduce the risk of injuries related to diving or diving boards. Ensure diving boards are correctly installed, maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidelines. Consider removing diving boards if they pose a significant risk to children's safety.

Swimming pool chemicals – 1,257 injuries:

Keep pool chemicals locked away and out of children's reach. It's crucial to teach children about the dangers of pool chemicals and the importance of not touching them to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure.

Portable swimming pools – 918 injuries:

Empty portable pools when not in use to prevent drowning accidents. Closely supervise children in or around portable pools to ensure safety.

Swimming pool slides – 690 injuries:

Ensure slides are properly installed, maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidelines. Teach children to slide feet-first and wait for the person ahead to clear the slide landing area to avoid collisions and injuries.

Above-ground swimming pools (excluding portable pools) – 620 injuries.

Install sturdy ladders with handrails for safe entry and exit from above-ground swimming pools. Remove or secure ladders when the pool is not in use to prevent unsupervised access.

Though children are particularly vulnerable to pool injuries, they don’t just happen to children: Adults accounted for 35% of all ER visits from pool products and swimming last summer! This serves as a reminder that pool safety is essential for everyone, not just children. Parents should set a good example by following pool safety guidelines.

>> Security cameras can help with keeping a close eye on outdoor safety. See which outdoor security cameras are the best.