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:
- Children bathing in a village pond under the
scorching sun. - Children resting in a rivulet deep in the jungle of
Rajauli, Bihar.
📣 If
you enjoyed this post, please like, share, and subscribe for more stories.
#HeatwaveIndia #Summer2025 #ChildSafety #VillageLife #BiharStories
#AshokKaranPhotography #StayHydrated #HeatstrokeAwareness #NatureAndChildren
#IndianSummers
Leave a Reply