A Playground Safety Guide

Playgrounds are fun places for children of all ages, filled with swings, slides, games, and other activities designed to keep kids busy and happy. However, they are not always safe spaces for all children. Some children are at greater risk than others because of their age, physical or mental health conditions, or where they live. No matter your child's specific risk factors, it is important to know how to keep them safe in an outdoor play area. If you have children in your care who visit playgrounds regularly, you probably know the risks of leaving them unsupervised. Letting them wander off can expose them to more danger than if you had stayed with them instead. Playgrounds and other outdoor areas can be measures in place. Parents and caregivers can help by knowing what safety precautions to take.

Tips to Keep Children Safe at Playgrounds

There are many ways to keep your children safe while they play outside. You can create a spotter program, install strong equipment, provide proper clothing and footwear, and pick a schedule that fits your child's specific needs and interests.

Teach Children to Be Spotters

Teaching children to be spotters will give you more peace of mind. A spotter is typically someone who watches out for others while they do fitness activities, ready to help if there's an accident. They can also keep an eye out for hazards. Kids can learn to be these spotters in a playground setting, and look out for each other while playing. Teach children to help each other if someone is slipping or falling. Make sure they know to run for an adult's help when someone gets hurt. Let them know that things like sharp objects, hornet's nests, and garbage are unsafe items not to be touched, and that they should report them to an adult if they find them.

Teach Your Children Which Areas Are Play-Safe

Not every area around a playground is safe to play in. Make sure that children know which areas are for play and which areas are off limits. Unsafe locations can include the park's entrance, the parking lot, or other roadways. Help them understand what areas are safe to play in. On playgrounds, there are often clear markers like borders around a mulched area, or a fence around the safe part of the park. Your child will be safer if they can recognize which parts of a park and playground are meant for them and which areas they must stay away from.

Stay Alert and Communicate

Always stay alert when your child is playing outside. You cannot be with them at all times, but you can keep an eye on them while they play independently. Pick times during the day when you feel energized and alert instead of rushed or distracted. Make sure your children can see where you are while they play and know how to contact you in an emergency. Regular check-ins with your child every 15 minutes to half an hour can go a long way in helping them stay safe.

Avoid Unsafe Equipment

Playground safety is impossible if children are using dangerous equipment. All equipment has a shelf-life. Failing to replace it past the recommended time puts children at risk. You might be able to tell if equipment is becoming too old and unsafe. Check for rotting wood, rusting metal, excessive wear, or crooked structures. Ask children to avoid any equipment that doesn't look safe to you. You should also keep in mind that not all playground equipment is suitable for any age level. Some pieces might be safe for a six-year-old to use but your three-year-old will be at risk using it.

Provide Proper Clothing and Footwear

If your child does not have proper playground shoes, consider investing in footwear that can protect their feet during playtime. Shoes should be non-slip with grip soles that have grooves and traction. Open-toed shoes present hazards too, leaving kids open to injuries like cuts and getting their toe caught on equipment. Shoes should fit children well and be secured to their feet. Flip-flops and similar shoes can trip a running child and lead to a nasty fall.