10 Playground Safety Tips to Follow This Summer

Summer is that time of the year when children love to spend hours outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and playing on playgrounds. While playgrounds provide an excellent opportunity for children to have fun and stay active, it’s crucial to prioritize their safety. Here are 10 playground safety tips to follow this summer to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for children:

Choose Age-Appropriate Playgrounds 

When selecting a playground, ensure it suits your child’s age and developmental stage. Playgrounds often have designated areas for different age groups, ensuring that the equipment and activities are appropriate for their abilities. Younger children may have separate areas with age-appropriate swings, slides, and climbing structures.

Check for Proper Surfacing

The surface beneath playground equipment plays a vital role in preventing injuries from falls. Look for surfaces made of rubber, sand, mulch, or synthetic materials designed to cushion falls and reduce the risk of injuries. These materials absorb impact better than concrete or asphalt surfaces. Ensure that the surfacing is well-maintained and adequately spread to provide sufficient coverage.

Dress Children Appropriately

Encourage children to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for playground activities. Loose clothing and clothing with drawstrings can get caught in equipment, posing a safety hazard. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended to prevent slips and fall. Avoid clothing with cords, long necklaces, or accessories that may pose a risk of entanglement.

Inspect the Equipment 

Before allowing children to play, inspect the playground equipment for any signs of damage, such as broken or loose parts, sharp edges, or rust. Check the stability of swings, slides, climbing structures, and moving parts. Report any maintenance issues to the appropriate authorities to ensure prompt repairs and prevent accidents.

Ensure Proper Supervision

 Always supervise children while they are playing on the playground. Keep an eye on them to prevent accidents and intervene if necessary. Younger children, in particular, should be closely supervised to ensure their safety. Be vigilant and attentive, especially in crowded or busy playgrounds, to ensure children play safely and follow the rules.

Teach Safe Playground Behavior

Educate children about safe playground behavior. Encourage them to use equipment properly, avoid pushing or rough play, and respect other children’s personal space. Teach them to wait their turn and be mindful of smaller or younger children. Reinforce the importance of being aware of their surroundings and playing in a considerate and responsible manner.

Beware of Hot Surfaces

During the summer, playground equipment exposed to the sun can become hot and potentially burn children. Before allowing them to play, check the temperature of surfaces like metal slides or swings. Use the back of your hand to test if it’s too hot to touch. If it feels uncomfortable or causes discomfort, it’s too hot for children to play on safely.

Stay Hydrated 

Remind children to drink plenty of water while playing on the playground, especially on hot summer days. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other health issues. Encourage regular water breaks to keep children hydrated. Consider bringing a water bottle specifically for playground visits to ensure that water is readily available to them.

Sun Protection

Protect children from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF before they go out to play. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Encourage them to wear a hat and sunglasses for added protection. Seek shaded areas or schedule outdoor playtimes during cooler parts of the day to minimize sun exposure.

Teach Proper Sliding Techniques

Slides are a popular playground attraction but can pose risks if used improperly. Teach children to sit facing forward, with their legs crossed or feet in front, and slide feet-first. Discourage climbing up the slide to prevent collisions and accidents. Teach them to wait until the previous child has reached the bottom before starting their turn.

Bottom Line

By following these 10 playground safety tips, parents, caregivers, and children can enjoy a safe and fun summer on the playground. Remember, prioritizing safety ensures children can engage in active play without unnecessary risks. 

So, go ahead and make the most of the sunny days while keeping safety at the forefront of your mind. Sometimes accidents are not preventable, and your child suffers from something you haven’t thought about due to others’ mistakes. In that case, you can consult a personal injury lawyer to guide you to take the right step and make informed decisions.