Each year, more than 200,000 kids visit hospital emergency rooms for playground-related injuries. Learn what to look for in playground design and equipment and how to teach your kids about playing safely.
Inspecting the Playground Design and Equipment
Select age appropriate play equipment. Because sizes and proportions differ, playground equipment should be suited to your child’s age whether they’re toddlers or school age. Designating separate areas keeps everyone safer.
Look for absorbent surfaces. Absorbent surfaces reduce injuries from falls. You want soft materials that will cushion an impact. Some of the best options are loosely packed wood chips, mulch, pea gravel, and sand or synthetics like rubber mats.
Ensure the equipment is well maintained. All equipment should be anchored into the ground firmly and nuts and bolts should be tight and covered. Beware of rusted metals, splintering wood or any jagged edges or open hooks that could catch on clothing.
Calculate safe spacing. Allowing for plenty of clearance will reduce accidents. See that swings are at least 2 feet apart and 6 feet away from any wall or fence. All platforms should be less than 12 feet high.
Take special care with moving equipment. Equipment with moving parts, like seesaws and carousels, belong in separate areas of the playground. Be vigilant around pinch points where a child’s fingers can catch.
Clear away debris and ropes. Get rid of broken glass, twisted metal, and any swinging ropes or leashes. Put backpacks and toys off to the side where no one will trip over them.
Report safety concerns to the appropriate authority. Familiarise yourself with whoever is responsible for the upkeep of the playground, whether it’s a local government, school or private organisation. If you see a hazard, warn others to keep away and report the issue immediately.
Teaching Your Kids to Play Safely
Provide careful supervision. Most injuries can be avoided through adequate supervision. By playing with your kids, you get to spend more time together, talk about safety, and be on the spot to provide first aid if needed.
Require kids to use the equipment as intended. Even well-designed equipment needs some cooperation from the user. Show kids how to stay inside the guardrails, use the slide feet first, and sit facing each other on seesaws. Many devices are built for one kid at a time so keep it that way.
Point out safety features. Help kids understand the importance of guardrails and protective barriers on elevated platforms and ramps. Discuss how the hood on a slide reminds you to sit down and plastic slides stay cooler than the metal versions.
Encourage caution when climbing. Falling causes almost 70% of playground injuries, so climbing merits special attention. Practice falling so your kids learn to land on both feet with their knees bent. Using both hands and keeping far behind the person in front of you are also important measures.
Rule out roughhousing. Use your playground outings to demonstrate the benefits of taking turns and sharing. Discourage shoving, pushing or fighting.
Enforce safe distances. Praise your kids for being observant of their surroundings and standing back from any equipment when it’s in use. Make it a habit to check that there are no other kids at the bottom of the slide before descending. Pick a path that creates a wide berth between you and the swing set.
Keeping your kids safe on the playground will let them enjoy the fresh air and fun with less risk of injury. Playing alongside your kids is a great way to check out their play areas, provide adequate supervision, and share the good times.