Summertime fun is all about having fun and staying safe.
Schools out… now what? If you’re setting up a playset in your backyard to help the kids pass the time this summer, there are insurance and safety risks to consider. All children wind up with scraped knees at some point, here’s what you need to know to prevent extreme injuries on the playground.
Playground Safety
Playground equipment causes hundreds of children’s injuries per year. According to the National Program for Playground Safety, some of the top equipment associated with injuries are climbers, swings, slides and overhead ladders. Always make sure all equipment is sturdy and secure, and put together the correct way. It should be on level ground and anchored securely. Keep a close eye on kids if they’re playing with any sort of jump ropes around playground equipment. It may be scary to think about, but asphyxiation is the leading cause of playground fatalities. On this same note, be mindful of any clothing with drawstrings that could get caught while kids are playing.
If you have a pool, make sure it’s fenced in and locked at all times. Keep any sort of playset equipment a safe distance from the pool. You don’t want anyone falling into the water while playing on swings or slides. It’s nice to have kids of all ages play together, but when it comes to playgrounds, it’s not always safe. Make sure your child is playing on age/size appropriate equipment. All climbing and playing equipment should be on shock-absorbing, soft ground, never concrete. Lay down wood chips, sand, or foam to help break any falls.
Play equipment should be frequently inspected, especially during the high-use summer months, just to make sure everything is sturdy and in place. If you see any rust starting to appear, or hear anything squeaking, you’ll want to take care of this before it progresses and could lead to injury. You don’t want your kids getting cut from any exposed nails or falling due to wear and tear on the equipment. Teach your kids playground safety- use the equipment the way it is intended to be used, don’t play near moving swings and don’t go down the slide if the surface is hot from the sun, etc.
Most importantly, always supervise your children when they’re playing on any playset. Playground equipment is meant to be played on! You and your family can have a fun, wonderful summer with these safety tips in mind.
