The Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) has urged parents to take additional precautions as kite flying becomes increasingly popular among children during the prevailing dry weather and school holidays, warning of potentially life-threatening accidents.
Acting LRH Director Specialist Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekera said an increase in kite-related accidents had prompted the hospital to issue a special safety warning.
He said children flying kites in groups could be injured through collisions and falls, while those attempting to launch or retrieve kites from elevated locations face an increased risk of falling.
Dr. Ratnasekera identified contact with high-voltage power lines as one of the most serious dangers. If a kite or conductive string becomes entangled with a power line, electricity can travel through the string and cause severe burns or a potentially fatal electric shock.
Electrical burns can cause extensive damage to tissues, blood vessels and nerves, particularly in the arms and forearms, and may also affect the chest. Severe cases can require hospitalisation and surgery, including the removal of badly damaged tissue or parts of an affected limb.
Parents and other adults have been urged to ensure that children do not fly kites near high-voltage power lines and to supervise them closely while they are engaged in the activity.
Dr. Ratnasekera stressed that while children should be able to enjoy their school holidays, their safety must remain a priority, calling on parents and the wider public to take precautions to prevent avoidable accidents.
