Summer Safety for Our Children
Children have a few months left for summer vacation. We must do every thing possible to make it safe for them. This is the time for parents and community members to stress summer safety. Many students will be out riding their bikes, riding their skate boards, and playing in the streets. It is important for motorists to watch for young people running into the streets from behind parked cars. All youth should be wearing a helmet while riding their bikes or using a skateboard.
Unfortunately, there are not enough playgrounds with up-to-date equipment in many communities in the city. Our children need safe places to play. I often see children playing in fields with litter and glass. We have lost children in the summer in past years when playing on the railroad tracks. Parents must know where their children are, and they must tell them the danger of playing on railroad tracks. Our church es can also play a role by discussing safety concerns during the regular church service. It will take everyone working together to keep children safe.
Pool safety must also be addressed. Children need to be aware of the rules of public swimming pools. They must listen to the lifeguards on duty. Back yard pools can also be a danger. Young children should never be left alone in a family pool. Every year we hear of children drowning because they were left alone. Parents should never take things for granted. Be watchful at all times. Amusement parks are another issue of concern. Young children should not be allowed to go on dangerous rides without proper supervision. They should stay close to their parents at all times when visiting places like the zoo, where there are still dangerous animals. It only takes a moment for a young child to disappear. Parents must pay attention to their children at all times.
Violence in our communities is a concern for adults and children alike. Bullets can hit innocent people of all ages. We have already seen vio lent weekends, where shooting takes place and the danger of someone get ting shot is always there. Our leaders must do more to eliminate guns and to arrest those who cause havoc in our communities. We have seen in the past where innocent children have been shot by stray bullets. The street side memorials in the city are a reminder of the violence that continues to be a real problem. I am thankful that we have anti-violence groups working in the community to help with the youth.
Perhaps we need a serious cam paign that stresses peace from every end of our community. The one voice I remember on the nightly news when I was younger was that of News Anchor Irv Weinstein on channel 7 as he asked each night after the 11 o’clock news: “It is 11 o’clock, do you know where your children are?” It is a question that should be answered by parents and guardians today. Let’s hope and pray that the rest of the summer will be one of peace and safety!!