Parents and adults have been urged to pay special attention to children’s safety when flying kites, as kite-related accidents are frequently reported during the school holiday season, the Acting Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Consultant Dr. Pradeep Rathnasekara said.
He noted that kite flying has become increasingly popular among children due to the current dry weather and school holidays. However, careless kite flying can result in serious injuries and, in some cases, pose a risk to life.
Dr. Rathnasekara warned that children attempting to fly kites from elevated locations could fall and suffer serious injuries. Accidents may also occur due to collisions and falls when children fly kites in groups.
He further stressed that flying kites near high-voltage power lines is extremely dangerous. If kite strings come into contact with power lines, electricity can travel through the string and reach the person holding it.
Such electric shocks can cause severe damage to tissues, blood vessels and nerves in the hands, arms and chest. In some cases, the affected body parts may even have to be surgically removed, he warned.
He also cautioned that kite strings made of electrically conductive materials can come into contact with high-voltage power lines and cause fatal electric shocks instantly.
Therefore, parents and adults have a responsibility to prevent children from flying kites in areas where power lines are present, he said.
While children’s enjoyment is important, their safety must be given equal priority, Dr. Rathnasekara stressed, urging the public to act responsibly and remain vigilant to prevent kite-flying-related accidents during the school holidays.