Bathing Children in the Heat of Summer

 

Bathing Children in the Heat of Summer
📸 Text and Photos by Ashok Karan
🌐 ashokkaran.blogspot.com

As temperatures soar to nearly 40°C, I ventured out with my camera and captured the raw essence of summer—children beating the heat by joyfully playing and bathing in a village pond. While the intense heat forces many indoors, for these children, it becomes a refreshing escape—a simple joy, as satisfying as a delicious meal.

While many seek refuge inside, venturing out in such conditions requires care. It is essential to protect oneself with thick cloth coverings and stay hydrated with refreshing drinks like water, mango juice, lassi, and sattu sherbet. Dehydration is a serious concern during heat waves and can lead to serious health issues.

Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Conditions can range from minor heat rashes to severe complications such as heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. It’s critical to monitor children’s activities, especially when they are playing in water, which can offer relief but also poses its own risks if not supervised properly.

🔹 Safety Tips for Children During Heat Waves:

• Encourage frequent water intake throughout the day.
• Monitor playtime and ensure regular rest breaks.
• Promote playing in shaded areas whenever possible.
• Dress children in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Recognize early symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, fatigue.
• Be alert to signs of heatstroke: high body temperature, confusion, fainting—seek medical attention immediately if observed.

While village ponds and rivers serve as a natural respite for children from underprivileged backgrounds, children from more affluent families enjoy similar relief in swimming pools and water parks. However, these venues often charge between ₹500–₹700 per person, excluding food and beverages—making them a luxury for many.

Medical professionals caution that the stark contrast of extreme heat followed by sudden cooling can lead to rapid dehydration and heat-related illnesses, even after short exposures. Heatwaves not only pose health risks but also threaten environmental and infrastructural stability, increasing the likelihood of wildfires, damaging power systems, and disrupting daily life.

By staying vigilant and adopting simple precautions, we can ensure that children enjoy their summer safely—whether it’s in a village pond or a city pool.

🖼️ In Pictures:

1. Children bathing in a village pond under the scorching sun.
2. Children resting in a rivulet deep in the jungle of Rajauli, Bihar.

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