Child Commissioner urges for caution in summer months

The Commissioner for Children has called on parents, guardians and carers to ensure that children enjoy the summer safely, taking the necessary precautions to protect them from sunburn and accidents which may be caused by barbecues, play and swimming in pools and at the sea.

In a statement issued this morning, the Office of the Commissioner for Children pointed out that very young children can drown in as little as a couple of inches of water in baths and paddling pools, advising that they are to be supervised at all times.

While applauding the efforts made by families and summer schools in organising recreational activities during the summer months, the Commissioner for Children said that authorities play a key role in setting and enforcing adequate safety standards across all summer venues that children frequent.

It added, however, that parents should make use of opportunities for children to learn new skills needed to be able to enjoy themselves in a safe manner.

“There are ample opportunities that are open to all children such as swimming lessons and other outdoor activities organised by SportMalta. The Office encourages parents to also follow the advice provided by the Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention regarding health related risks,” the Office said.

The Office also encouraged all those responsible for children to lead by example and urged them to hold the necessary first aid knowledge and skills to be able to help children when the need arises, mentioning jellyfish bites and burns by way of example.