Journal Entry

A parent’s guide to playground safety

Ah, the playground. The word conjures up images of romping on the grass, swooshing down slides, running willy-nilly around a merry-go-round, and challenging gravity in an airborne swing. My children loved the local playground, and as a young mother, I never considered the dangers that were possible with such carefree abandon. Now, as a grandmother, older and wiser, I see all too clearly the many opportunities for injury lurking on a seemingly innocent playground.
Injuries from playgrounds account for more than 200,000 emergency room visits each year, many of which could have been avoided. No parent wants her child to add to this growing number. By taking precautions, you can ensure your little one remains safe while still having fun and getting some great exercise, fresh air, and sunshine.

Clothing

Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the playground. Closed-toed shoes, like sneakers, oxfords, or boots, are better than sandals and flip-flops. Children should never go barefoot on a playground. Also, avoid anything that could catch on equipment parts, like drawstrings, necklaces, backpacks, hoods, or even bracelets.

Surfaces

Playground falls are inevitable. Asphalt and concrete are not very forgiving. Softer materials like wood chips, straw, and shredded rubber provide important cushioning. The material should extend at least six feet from the actual playground equipment, and it should not be packed. A “fluffed” substance, at least twelve inches deep with plenty of air spaces, will offer more shock absorption.

Equipment

An adult should examine the various equipment for proper working order. Make sure pieces are not rusted through and that swing chains are not too long. Protruding bolts should be covered with inexpensive plastic caps. No equipment, when added to your child’s height, should be over twelve feet tall. Any rough edges on metal can easily be sanded with a smooth file or an emery cloth. Monkey bar rungs should not be taller than your child can reach when standing on the ground underneath with his arms extended over his head. Swings should be at least 24 inches apart and at least 30 inches from the support legs. Ideally, there should be separate areas and equipment for kids five and under.

Adult supervision

The most important safety feature of any playground is an adult. Before allowing your child to play, inspect the playground area for broken glass, large splinters, exposed tree roots, contaminated trash, large rocks, or anything children could trip over or otherwise cause an injury. Also, an adult can moderate play to ensure no rough-housing or bullying occurs.

Rules for kids

Teach your child proper safety guidelines and playground etiquette, like taking turns, going down a slide only in feet-first position, waiting for the merry-go-round to stop completely before getting on and off, not running in front of swings that are in motion, and not dismounting a see-saw without warning the fellow see-sawer. These simple rules will help avoid an accident and make playtime more enjoyable for everyone.
A trip to the playground can be a wonderful adventure and provide kids with needed exercise, all too infrequent in our technology-based world of TV, computers, and video games. It also gives children a chance to interact with others and improve their social skills. Parents just need to use a little common sense and diligence to make sure the emergency room doesn’t become a post-play visit.
Resources www.kidshealth.org

www.playgroundsafety.org