Safe Kids Oregon Encourages Parents & Kids to Drink Plenty of Water
With many kids and families preparing for summer activities and sports, Safe Kids Oregon is encouraging parents and coaches to keep kids safe from sports and recreation injuries, including dehydration and heat illness.
Kids are at greater risk of dehydration and heat illnesses than adults because they generate more heat but sweat less. Knowing how much water is enough is an important part of keeping kids safe while at play.
Dehydration occurs when a body loses more water than it takes in (such as through sweating). When kids don’t drink enough water while playing, they could be at risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) the right amount of water varies based on a child’s weight. A child around 90 pounds should drink 5 oz. of water or 10 gulps every 20 minutes. Teens around 130 pounds should drink 9 oz. or 20 gulps during that same time.
Download Hydration Infographic
To beat the heat this summer, Safe Kids offers these important tips:
Bring a Water Bottle and Take Regular Breaks
- Make sure kids have a water bottle during every outdoor activity.
- Make sure kids drink fluids (water is the best option) 30 minutes before the activity begins and every 15 – 20 minutes during activity. Drinking water after play is equally important.
- In sports activities, set mandatory water breaks throughout the day – don’t wait for a child to tell you he or she is thirsty.
Safe Kids Worldwide invites you to watch this 11-year-old rap about hydration in this fun video.
The updated 2013 Safe Kids Tip Sheets are posted on the Fall Prevention & Sports Safety page.
Safe Kids Oregon works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Oregon is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Oregon was founded in 1995 and is lead by Oregon Health Division, Office of Prevention and Health Promotion. For more information, visit Injury Areas.