Keeping Kids Safe Over Summer
As summer heats up across the Illawarra, kids are diving into pools, tearing around playgrounds, and gearing up for sports. While the season brings a lot of fun, it also comes with a few risks
By Dr Elliot Wichlinski of Bulli Medical Practice
As summer heats up across the Illawarra, kids are diving into pools, tearing around playgrounds, and gearing up for sports. While the season brings a lot of fun, it also comes with a few risks worth preparing for. Here’s how to keep your children healthy and happy this summer:
Beat the Heat
Heat illness can sneak up quickly on hot, humid days— especially during active play. Watch for warning signs like heat rash (small red bumps in sweaty areas), muscle cramps in the legs or abdomen, or dizziness after standing. Heat stroke is serious: confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness require calling 000 immediately and cooling with wet cloths or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin.
Prevention matters: Encourage regular water breaks even if kids aren’t thirsty, and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. Dress them in breathable clothing and schedule intense activities for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Tiny Ticks, Big Caution
After bushland adventures, check behind ears, the scalp, armpits, and groin for ticks. If you find one, don’t use tweezers — freeze it with an ether spray from the pharmacy instead. Watch for rash, fever, or fatigue afterward, and see your GP if concerned.
Safe in the Surf
Bluebottles love our beaches! Teach kids never to touch jellyfish, even dead ones. If stung, rinse with seawater (not fresh water), remove tentacles carefully, and immerse the area in hot water (40–45°C) for 20 minutes. Skip the ice and vinegar—hot water works best. Call 000 for breathing difficulties or allergic reactions.
A Final Word
Summer should be carefree, and with a little preparation, it can be. Consider a quick GP check-in before the season starts to update asthma plans, vaccinations, or sports clearances. Prevention is powerful, and we’re here to help.
Visit Bulli Medical Practice at 74 Park Rd, Bulli NSW 2516, (02) 4284 4622.
About the writer
Dr Elliot Wichlinski graduated from the University of Wollongong’s medical school in 2018. He has worked across regional and metropolitan NSW in orthopaedics, emergency medicine and Paediatrics. He completed his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2025 in the Illawarra region. Elliot is interested in all aspects of general practice and welcomes all patients. He has a particular interest in Paediatrics, Sports Injuries, Men’s Health, General Medicine and Preventative Health. In his spare time he enjoys golf, surfing and basketball.
