Hi everyone, welcome back to the Kairos Family Support podcast. I’m Sarah, Principal Social Worker at Kairos Family Support and today, I’m pleased to be joined by Avraamis, one of the Directors here at Kairos who is also a very experienced social worker. Today, we’re diving into something that’s on a lot of parents’ minds as the weather heats up—how to keep children safe in the sun and heat, especially during holidays.Hello, Sarah. It’s good to be here. And, yes, this is a big one for me, especially seeing how so many people just do not understand the risks. I know we all look forward to those sunny getaways, but the risks for kids in hot climates are, well, a bit more serious than most people realise. Children’s bodies actually heat up much faster than adults—three to five times faster, in fact. Their skin’s thinner, they sweat less efficiently, and, especially for the under-fours, their bodies just do not cool down as easily as adults.Exactly. And it’s not just about feeling a bit hot or bothered. The signs of heat-related illness in children can be subtle at first—like, you might notice they’re really thirsty, their cheeks are flushed, or they’re just a bit irritable. But things can escalate quickly. If you see confusion, stumbling, or, in the worst cases, seizures or unconsciousness, that’s a medical emergency. You need to get help straight away.And, you know, sometimes families just don’t spot those early signs. I remember a case who took his family to the Med. They thought their little one was just tired from all the excitement, but actually, she was showing early signs of heat exhaustion. The signs were all there but they just couldn't spot them. It wasn’t until she started getting really lethargic and confused that they realised something was wrong. They ended up at a local clinic, and thankfully, she was okay, but it was a tense few hours. It’s a reminder that, especially in unfamiliar environments, you’ve got to be extra vigilant and take action if your children are exhibiting symptoms different to those they do at home.Yeah, and it’s so easy to underestimate the heat when you’re on holiday. Kids are excited, routines are out the window, and suddenly you’re dealing with temperatures you’d never see at home. So, let’s talk about what you can actually do to keep them safe.First up, sun protection. The basics are still the best: broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, hats with a wide brim, sunglasses—ideally with 99 to 100 percent UV protection—and, of course, keeping kids in the shade as much as possible. And don’t forget, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, or straight after swimming.And for the little ones, especially babies under six months, it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight altogether. I always remember growing up in Leeds—on those rare hot days, the whole street would come together, setting up paddling pools in the shade, sharing tips on how to keep the babies cool. It was a real community effort. Lightweight clothing, keeping them in the shade, and making sure they had plenty to drink. And, you know, it’s not just about the sun—overheating can happen indoors too, especially if you’re somewhere without air conditioning.Yes, and for older kids, it’s about balancing fun with safety. Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late afternoon. And, honestly, don’t be afraid to enforce those rest breaks indoors, even if they protest. Sometimes you’ve got to be the unpopular one for a bit! They will thank you when they are older!Absolutely. And just a quick one to remember—don’t cover prams or pushchairs with blankets to block the sun. It can actually make things hotter inside. Use a parasol or a proper sunshade instead, and check on them regularly. I always say, if you’re feeling hot, your child probably is too—only they might not be able to tell you.Now, let’s talk about water. Pools are brilliant for cooling off, but they come with their own set of risks. The most important thing is supervision—constant, active supervision. Assign a “water watcher,” someone whose only job is to keep an eye on the kids. And swap out every 15 minutes or so, because, honestly, it’s easy to get distracted, especially on holiday and it doesn't take long for things to get seriously out of hand.And make sure the pool area is secure of course —fencing that’s at least 1.2 metres high, self-latching gates, all that. I know it sounds a bit over the top, but drowning can happen in seconds, and it’s often silent. No splashing, no shouting—just quiet. It’s terrifying, but knowing the signs and having a plan makes all the difference.Absolutely, and don’t forget about swimming lessons. Lots of resorts offer short courses, and it’s worth taking advantage, especially if you’re somewhere with different hazards—like strong currents or unfamiliar pool layouts. And, of course, know the local emergency numbers. In the EU, it’s one one two, but it varies elsewhere. Save them in your phone before you go.And, please, never leave children alone in vehicles or near water, even for a minute. I know we’ve said it before, but it’s so important. Car interiors can heat up to dangerous levels in no time, and water safety is non-negotiable. Keep a first aid kit handy, and make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. It’s a bit of extra prep, but it can save lives.Let’s finish up with hydration and nutrition. Kids need regular water breaks—every 15 to 20 minutes when it’s really hot, even if they say they’re not thirsty. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks; they can actually make dehydration worse. Water is better, especially after lots of activity. And everyone, regardless of age, should always have sufficient drinking water for every trip they make, no matter how short or far it is going to be. The heat can be a silent threat and the risk of dehydration happens quite quickly once heat stroke sets in.And for children, you can make it fun—colourful bottles, fruit-infused water, even frozen lollies made from diluted juice for older kids. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges are great for keeping them hydrated and topping up those electrolytes. And, honestly, teaching kids to recognise when they’re thirsty is a skill. Sometimes they get so caught up in playing, they just don’t notice until they’re already dehydrated.Yeah, and for the little ones, especially babies, it’s a bit different. If they’re fully breastfed, they usually don’t need extra water, but they might want to feed more often. For bottle-fed babies, a bit of cooled boiled water can help, but always check with your health visitor. And keep an eye on nappies—if they’re not wetting as much, that’s a sign they might need more fluids.So, to sum up—keep them cool, keep them covered, keep them hydrated, and keep an eye out for any signs that something’s not right. It’s a lot, but with a bit of planning, you can have a brilliant, safe holiday. Thanks for joining us today. Avraamis, always a pleasure.Likewise, Sarah. And thanks to everyone listening. If you’ve got questions or want more tips, check out the Kairos Family Support website at kairosfamilysupport.com. There are handy guides around keeping children safe in hot weather that you can download for free. We’ll be back soon with more ways to keep your family safe and well. Take care, everyone.Bye for now!

Episodes

Heat Safety for Children