Park playgrounds offer free entertainment for families, but they also present potential dangers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, more than 200,000 children visit the emergency room each year with injuries that occur on the playground. Observing simple playground safety rules keeps your children safe while at the park.
Adult Supervision
Adult supervision helps ensure a safe playing situation for kids. Inspect the park before the kids begin playing to identify potential dangers. Broken equipment, trash on the playground and sharp corners present a risk of injury. An adult supervising the kids can better handle an emergency situation such as a fall, injury or suspicious adult approaching children on the playground. Adults also remind kids of the park playground safety rules.
Proper Attire
Safe clothing on a park playground reduces the potential for injuries. Proper footwear such as tennis shoes with tightly tied laces allows kids to keep their footing stable while running and climbing. Avoid loose-fitting clothing and dangling jewelry, which might get caught on equipment to cause choking or tripping. Leave backpacks, purses and other items that can get caught on equipment on the ground.
Proper Use
Playground equipment that is in good condition is only safe when used correctly. Teach your child the correct way to use each piece of equipment. They should go down a slide feet first and never climb up the slide, sit on a swing rather than stand on it and never climb on top of railings. Remind the kids of these rules before they begin playing on the park playground. Give the kids a warning if they break any of the rules. Continued misuse of the playground equipment might result in a time out or leaving the park completely.
Weather Considerations
The weather presents a potential danger in the park playground. Equipment heats up quickly in direct sunlight and hot temperatures. A child wearing shorts or other clothes that result in bare skin might burn himself by using hot playground equipment. Help your child check the temperature of the equipment before using it. Wet equipment becomes slippery and increases the risks of a child falling. Check the equipment if it has rained recently. Playing outside during bad weather also presents a risk. Weather changes quickly, so that you may find yourself stuck in hail, lightening or other dangerous weather conditions. A layer of sunscreen protects from sunburns even on overcast days.
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