13 Summer Activities We Loved That Aren’t Allowed Anymore
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Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and making memories that last a lifetime. For many adults, some of their fondest summer memories involve activities that would be considered too risky or dangerous by today’s safety standards.
From riding in the back of a pickup truck to diving into a shallow creek, these nostalgic summer pastimes are a reminder of a simpler time when kids were allowed to take more risks and explore the world around them. Here are 13 nostalgic memories of summer that today’s safety standards don’t allow.
Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Riding in the back of a pickup truck was a quintessential summer activity for many kids growing up. Whether headed to the beach, the park, or just cruising around town, riding in the bed of a pickup truck with the wind in your hair was a thrilling experience. However, today’s safety standards strongly advise against this practice, as it puts passengers at risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
Diving into Shallow Water
Diving into shallow water, whether at a creek, a lake, or a backyard pool, was another common summer activity for many kids. The thrill of plunging headfirst into the cool water on a hot day was hard to resist, even if the water was only a few feet deep. However, diving into shallow water can lead to serious head and neck injuries, including paralysis or even death. Today’s safety standards emphasize the importance of checking the depth of the water before diving in and avoiding diving in shallow areas altogether.
Playing with Sparklers
Playing with sparklers was a beloved Fourth of July tradition for many kids, who would wave the glowing sticks in the air and write their names in the darkness. However, sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a serious burn hazard. Today’s safety standards recommend using glow sticks or other non-flammable alternatives to sparklers, especially for young children.
Exploring Abandoned Buildings
Exploring abandoned buildings, whether an old factory, a vacant house, or a decrepit barn, was a thrilling summer adventure for many kids. The lure of the unknown and the possibility of discovering hidden treasures was hard to resist. However, abandoned buildings can be incredibly dangerous, with unstable structures, exposed nails, and broken glass. Today’s safety standards strongly advise against entering abandoned buildings, as the risk of injury or even death is simply too high.
Riding a Bike Without a Helmet
Riding a bike without a helmet was a common sight in summers past, as many kids saw helmets as uncool or unnecessary. However, head injuries are one of the most common and serious risks associated with biking, and can lead to concussions, brain damage, or even death. Today’s safety standards emphasize the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you ride a bike, no matter how short the distance.
Playing Lawn Darts
Playing lawn darts, also known as Jarts, was a popular summer activity for many families in the 1980s. The game involved throwing large metal darts at a target in the grass, with the winner being the first to reach a certain score. However, lawn darts were incredibly dangerous, with sharp metal tips that could cause serious injury or even death if thrown improperly. In 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of metal-tipped lawn darts, citing the high risk of injury.
Going to the Park Unsupervised
Going to the park unsupervised was a rite of passage for many kids in summers past, who would spend hours playing on the swings, climbing trees, and exploring the woods. However, today’s safety standards emphasize the importance of adult supervision at all times, especially in public spaces like parks. While it’s important for kids to have the freedom to play and explore, the risks of stranger danger, accidents, and other hazards are simply too high to allow kids to go to the park alone.
Jumping Off High Diving Boards
Jumping off high diving boards was a thrilling summer activity for many kids, who would climb to the top of the tallest board and take a flying leap into the deep end of the pool. However, high diving boards can be incredibly dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those with pre-existing health conditions. Today’s safety standards have led many public pools to remove high diving boards altogether, opting instead for lower boards or no boards at all.
Playing with Fireworks
Playing with fireworks was another beloved summer tradition for many kids, who would set off bottle rockets, firecrackers, and other explosives in their backyards or at the beach. However, fireworks can be incredibly dangerous, causing serious burns, eye injuries, and even amputations if used improperly. Today’s safety standards strongly advise against allowing kids to play with fireworks, and recommend attending professional fireworks displays instead.
Riding in a Car Without a Seatbelt
Riding in a car without a seatbelt was a common practice in summers past, as many kids saw seatbelts as unnecessary or even uncool. However, seatbelts are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in the event of a car accident. Today’s safety standards require all passengers to wear seatbelts at all times, no matter how short the distance or how slow the speed.
Swimming Without a Lifeguard
Swimming without a lifeguard was another common summer activity for many kids, who would take a dip in the local creek, pond, or even the ocean without any adult supervision. However, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, and can occur even in shallow water or among strong swimmers. Today’s safety standards emphasize the importance of swimming only in designated areas with a lifeguard on duty, and never swimming alone.
Running Through Sprinklers
Running through sprinklers was a classic summer activity for many kids, who would cool off on a hot day by dashing through the spray of a garden hose or a sprinkler attached to a lawn mower. However, running through sprinklers can be dangerous, as the wet grass can be slippery and lead to falls or other accidents. Today’s safety standards recommend using designated sprinkler pads or splash pads instead, which are designed with safety in mind.
Hiking Without a Map or Compass
Hiking without a map or compass was a common practice for many kids in summers past, who would set off into the woods or the mountains with nothing but a sense of adventure and a backpack full of snacks. However, getting lost in the wilderness can be incredibly dangerous, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions or dangerous wildlife. Today’s safety standards emphasize the importance of carrying a map and compass (or a GPS device) at all times, and never hiking alone or without proper preparation.
Fond Memories
These 13 nostalgic memories of summer may bring back fond memories for many adults, but they also serve as a reminder of how much has changed in terms of safety standards and risk assessment. While it’s important for kids to have the freedom to play, explore, and take risks, it’s equally important for adults to ensure that those risks are managed and minimized as much as possible. By finding a balance between adventure and safety, we can help today’s kids create their own nostalgic summer memories that will last a lifetime.
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