Summer Safety Tips for Individuals with IDD

As summer approaches, it's important to ensure water and sun safety for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Here are some essential tips from the Arc of South Carolina:

Water Safety

1. Supervision: Always have a responsible adult closely supervise individuals with IDD near water.
2. Swimming Skills: Enroll in swimming lessons tailored for people with IDD to build water confidence.
3. Life Jackets: Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets that fit properly during water activities.
4. Pool Barriers: Install fences around pools to prevent unsupervised access.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Learn CPR and keep emergency contact information and a phone nearby.

Sun Safety

1. Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours.
2. Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
3. Hydration: Encourage regular water intake to stay hydrated.
4. Shade: Plan activities during cooler parts of the day and take breaks in shaded areas.
5. Heat Awareness: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and take immediate action if needed.

Ensuring safety helps individuals with IDD enjoy summer activities while minimizing risks. For more detailed information, visit the American Red Cross Summer Safety Tips page here.

Arc of South Carolina encourages safety tips when enjoying the summer with those with IDD.Photo byArc of SC