Law enforcement shares child safety tips for summer outings in public spaces | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey


MEDINA, Ohio — With summer in full swing and families gathering at splash pads, playgrounds and pools, law enforcement agencies are sharing practical safety advice to help prevent accidents and protect children in public places.

The guidance comes just weeks after a 10-year-old boy escaped an attempted abduction at a Medina playground.

According to Medina police, the child was playing at the Forest Meadows Apartments on East Reagan Parkway May 26 when a man approached and tried to take him.

The boy was able to break free and run for help while other children chased the suspect, who fled the scene.

Medina police are still searching for the man, described as white, in his 30s, about 6 feet tall, with blond hair and a scruffy beard.

Medina Police Chief Edward Kinney said incidents like this are a stark reminder of the importance of active, undistracted supervision of children.

“Public spaces can be unpredictable,” Kinney said. “Keeping your eyes on your child at all times and staying off your phone makes a big difference.”

Kinney encourages parents to teach their children to stay within arm’s reach in unfamiliar areas and to check in frequently if they’re older.

He also said children should be reminded to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that most abduction attempts occur when children are alone or separated from their group.

Kinney said parents should watch for warning signs, such as adults who linger near kids without a clear purpose, offer gifts or treats, or attempt to separate a child from others.

“Trust your gut,” Kinney said. “If someone seems out of place or overly interested in children who aren’t theirs, notify authorities.”

Before heading to busy public spaces, Kinney recommends creating a simple safety plan.

Suggestions include picking a meeting spot in case someone gets separated; dressing children in bright, easy-to-spot clothing; and taking a photo at the start of the outing to help responders in case of an emergency.

“Make sure kids know how to identify safe adults — like police officers or workers with uniforms or name badges — and how to ask for help,” he said.

Safe Kids Worldwide also encourages using routines and visual cues to help children stay oriented and confident in public settings.

Kinney said practicing scenarios at home can help reinforce those skills.

He advises parents to talk to children in an age-appropriate way about personal safety.

“Say things like, ‘Most people are good, but if someone tries to take you without asking Mom or Dad, yell, run and get help,’” Kinney said.

“And let kids know they can say ‘no’ to adults who make them uncomfortable — even someone they know.”

The American Red Cross recommends using books or role-playing games to teach kids about safety without making them fearful.

Kinney said those tools are helpful for encouraging confidence and awareness in a low-stress way.

Situational awareness is another key element. Kinney said adults should stay alert, do regular head counts and mentally rehearse “what if” scenarios to prepare for unexpected situations.

Water safety is another important concern, especially at places like Medina’s two splash pads at Ray Mellert Park and Fred Greenwood Park, which do not have lifeguards on duty.

According to the American Red Cross, drowning is the leading cause of death for children.

Kinney stressed that parents and caregivers must take an active role in supervising children at all times around water.

“Drowning is quick and often silent,” he said. “Assign a ‘Water Watcher,’ someone who isn’t distracted by phones or conversations.

“Don’t rely only on flotation devices, and make sure emergency contacts and first aid supplies are close by.”

If parents or bystanders witness something concerning or potentially dangerous, Kinney urges them to act right away.

“Don’t hesitate,” he said. “It’s always better to be wrong and apologize later than to stay silent and risk a child getting hurt.”

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