Category: Primary 5

West Lothian Council and West Lothian Community Safety Unit have launched “Summer Safe West Lothian” which is a campaign aimed at keeping the area’s young people and children safe.

 During June, July and August the council will highlight a number of topics such as: sun protection, bike safety, safety around water and Barbeques.  The aim of the campaign is to ensure that everyone has a safe, fun summer and that someone takes a few minutes to make sure that everyone is safe. 

 Over the summer break, children will have more free time to play and parents and carers will want to ensure children are as safe as possible in the home and when outside playing. Parents/carers should make sure a family member knows where children are going and when they are expected to return.

 The ‘Summer Safe’ campaign aims to raise awareness of a wide-range of issues such as bike safety and road sense.  With the sun shining, children and young people can easily forget their road sense.  It is worth going over the basics now.

 The launch of ‘Summer Safe’ coincides with national Bike Week, 15 to 23 June, which provides a timely reminder to parents/carers and children to take care when cycling.  National Bike Week is an ideal opportunity to highlight the campaign.  Children love to play on their bikes during the summer holidays, it’s great fun and healthy exercise.    Cycling is not only an enjoyable pastime, but a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for many members of our communities in West Lothian.  It is therefore essential that those who choose to ride a bike are educated on how to stay safe when on the road and do not put themselves or others at risk.

 A cyclist’s bicycle is a valued piece of equipment and so it is also important that bike owners ensure they take the appropriate safety measures for their property.

 Lothian and Borders Police can provide West Lothian riders with a bike passport, which photographs the bicycle and registers its details on a database to allow a speedy return to the owner in the event that a stolen bike is recovered.  If you wish to take advantage of the bike passport or wish more information on crime prevention, contact the local policing team or visit the Police Scotland website – www.scotland.police.uk

 Parents/carers and teachers can help by setting an example and wearing a cycle helmet.  Also, if bikes have been in the shed all winter take a few minutes to check that the tyres are pumped up and the handle bars, seat, brakes etc., are all in good order.

 Try to make sure children are aware of these cycling guidelines:

•  Use pedestrian/pelican crossings where possible to change direction.
• Watch out for road works and make it clear with hand signals if you are going to manoeuvre round them.
• Stick to the cycle lanes where they are marked, just watch out for pedestrians.
• Give parked cars a wide berth in case they decide to open their doors on to you.
• Drain covers and grates become very slippery in the rain, as do some types of road and pavement surfaces, so watch out for those.
• Don’t listen to music while cycling or worse still, talk on the phone. Your attention and ability to hear oncoming traffic will both be impaired.
• Explain that traffic lights apply to cyclists too, and they are breaking a law by riding through a red light.
• Watch out for dogs – they love to chase bikes.

 Motorists – always check behind your car before reversing out of your drive as bikes and children are difficult to spot.

 Other elements of our Summer Safe West Lothian campaign include:

 Staying safe in the sun:  Everyone needs some sun to help keep their bodies healthy, but overexposure to UV can be dangerous.  The most important thing you can do to protect your skin is to make sure you don’t burn.  It is vital to protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s UV rays.  You can protect your eyes and skin by spending time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm in the UK), covering up with clothes, sunglasses and a hat, and applying sunscreen to exposed skin. 

 Stay safe around water: There is nothing better on a hot sunny day than, swimming or splashing about in water.  Caution is needed when considering a swim in a natural pool, river or the sea.  There are hidden dangers such as very cold water, possible pollution, debris on the river bed and strong currents.  Encourage children and young people to stay away from water when they are out with friends and tell them about the dangers.

 This summer free swimming is available at pools across West Lothian for children aged 15 and under.  Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

 Stay safe around the garden and the Barbecue: To avoid food poisoning, ensure everyone involved in preparing and cooking the food observes good hygiene.  The Food Standards Agency says the safest option is to cook food indoors then transfer to the BBQ for flavour. Children and pets should stay clear of the BBQ and cooking area.  Garden games (and play with pets) should be staged well away from the BBQ.  Children should keep away from lawnmowers and other garden tools. 

 Anyone working in the garden should wear appropriate footwear.

 General and ongoing concerns about safety:

 The police are also concerned that where appropriate warnings should be issued about –

 The dangers of children entering derelict buildings, climbing scaffolding and crossing motorways. 

Throwing stones, mud and items at cars (often from bridges) and at houses.

 Please advise parents/carers to visit the council website for further information and links –www.westlothian.gov.uk/summersafe

 Thank you !