With summer come more frequent trips to the playground. Unfortunately, accidents can and will happen, if you’re not careful. So before you head out the door, keep these simple rules in mind.
(1) Make sure the equipment is appropriate for your child’s age and height. Ideally, the playground should have areas set aside for little ones and one for older kids. This assures the babies won’t get hurt by the antics of the older kids. I have noticed that at several of the park playgrounds I have taken Tyler to many older kids use the equipment especially the swings. And I’m talking about teens! I don’t believe they stop to think that their rough housing can injure the little ones.
(2) Look for areas where the surface is covered in sand, wood chips, rubber mats and other types of loose-fitting materials— but not grass. Grass is actually not the best choice because the ground underneath is too hard. Avoid asphalt, concrete and soil surfaces, as well.
(3) Speaking of sand- watch your little ones carefully when they are in the sandbox. Make sure the sand stays in the box and out of their mouths. Sandboxes are breading grounds for bacteria because of droppings from insects and animals (and humans).
(4) Supervise your kids while on the playground. Lack of supervision has been cited as one of major causes of playground injuries. Some people might say that I “over” supervise Tyler but I’d rather be safe than sorry as they saying goes.
(5) If you notice any equipment that pose a safety hazard, report it to the appropriate office responsible for upkeep of the equipment.
(6) Strangulation is a playground fatality that can be easily avoided. Outerwear should not have any hood or neck drawstrings that could pose a threat. Don’t let kids play on the equipment with scraves, purses or any type of drawstrings.
Most of these accidents aren’t fatal but still you want to make sure your kids are as safe as possible when on the playground. Follow these rules and they will be.
See also:
Education A to Z: P is for Playground Safety