Summer Safety Fun Guide For Parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

 ☀️ Summer Safety Fun Guide

For Parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (Grades K–5)

By Urszula Glogowska, MEd., CCC-SLP, TSHH

🏖️ Welcome to Summer!

School’s out, the sun’s up, and it’s time for fun! However, summer adventures can present new safety challenges, especially for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) children.

With a few thoughtful steps, you can keep your child safe, confident, and ready for sunshine success all season long. 🌞

Let’s dive in!

🧴 1. Use Visual Safety Cues

Why it matters: D/HH children may miss verbal warnings (like “Don’t run!” or “Watch out for bikes!”) in busy, noisy places.

What You Can Do:

• Use pictures, signs, or simple gestures to explain safety rules.
• Make “Safety Cards” together for pool, park, and street safety.

🎨 Try this: Create a “YES/NO” chart with images!
✔️ YES: Walking feet, life jacket, sunscreen
❌ NO: Running by the pool, touching grills, staying in the sun too long

🛟 2. Prep Before Adventure

Why it matters: New places can be overwhelming. Help your child feel secure and involved.

What You Can Do:

• Talk through the day’s plan using drawings or written checklists.
• Walk your child through safety rules for each activity.

📝 Try this: Make a “Day Plan” together with stickers or magnets:
🏊 Pool → 🍉 Snack → 🏖️ Beach → 🏠 Home
Include reminders like: “Use hand signal if you need help,” or “Take a break if tired.”

🚦 3. Teach Nonverbal Emergency Signals

Why it matters: In loud places (like parks or fireworks shows), spoken warnings may not work.

What You Can Do:

• Practice emergency signs or gestures as a family.
• Pick a clear “Help Me” sign your child can use anytime.

🖐️ Try this: Create a family “safety sign” like waving both arms and tapping your wrist. Practice using it in pretend scenarios! 

🌊 4. Water Safety = Extra Prep

Why it matters: Pools, lakes, and beaches can be distracting, and lifesaving cues - missed.

What You Can Do:

• Always supervise closely, even if a lifeguard is present.
• Use bright-colored swimwear for visibility.
• Ask your child to make eye contact or wave before entering the water.

💡 Pro tip: Some waterproof hearing devices exist, but if your child removes theirs to swim, set up nonverbal check-ins like:
🔁 Thumbs up every 5 minutes
👀 Visual contact before going deeper 

🎆 5. Plan for Fireworks and Loud Events

Why it matters: Big crowds and sensory overload can be tiring or scary for D/HH children.

What You Can Do:

• Offer noise protection (earmuffs) if needed - even for children who don’t use amplification.
• Create a “quiet zone” with a blanket and favorite sensory tool.

🌟 Try this: Make a “Fireworks Fun Kit”:
🎧 Headphones
🎈 Fidget toy
💬 Visual schedule
📖 Book for breaks

🧊 6. Manage Heat and Fatigue

Why it matters: Summer fun often means heat, crowds, and non-stop activity, all of which can increase listening fatigue.

What You Can Do:

• Schedule rest breaks and cool-down times.
• Recognize signs of sensory or listening overload (zoning out, frustration, silence).
• Encourage hydration - set a timer or use a fun water bottle.

💧 Try this: Use a sticker chart: 1 star for every glass of water, 5 stars = popsicle prize!

🧍‍♂️ 7. Empower Self-Advocacy - Even in Summer!

Why it matters: Your child deserves to feel confident and safe wherever they go.

What You Can Do:

• Practice simple scripts or signs:
  👐 “I need a break.”
  🖐️ “I don’t understand.”
  👆 “Please repeat.”

🎲 Try this Game: “What Would You Do?”
Role-play fun “what-if” scenarios like:
❓ You lose sight of your adult at the park - what do you do?
❓ Someone talks to you, but you didn’t catch what they said - what do you do?

👪 8. Stay Connected with Caregivers

Why it matters: Babysitters, grandparents, and camp counselors may not know the best ways to support your child.

What You Can Do:

• Share a quick “About Me” card with your child’s hearing tools, communication style, and safety tips.
• Include visuals and a short note like:
  📋 “Joey uses ASL. Please face him when talking and remind him to take breaks.”

📎 Free idea: Make a mini “Summer Safety Passport” for your child to take on trips! 

🌟 Final Splash: You’ve Got This!

Keeping your D/HH child safe this summer doesn’t mean saying no to fun - it means creating an environment where they feel empowered, included, and ready to dive in with confidence.

☀️ With preparation, visual tools, and lots of love, you’re building a season full of smiles, safety, and sunshine memories. 💛