8 Playground Safety Rules

1. Never allow your child (or any other) to walk near the swings. Behind or in front of those swinging can cause serious injury.
2. Use only age-appropriate equipment. If the child is too young, they may not have the skills or abilities to maneuver the equipment as required. Older kids’ equipment is typically higher and more complex. If the child is too old for the equipment, they could injure other younger children in the process.
3. Use slides correctly. Always go up the ladder and down the slide. Slide one at a time. Never go down head first. The child should move away from the slide upon reaching the bottom.
4. Make sure metal surfaces are cool to the touch. Come on…how many of us remember getting 2nd and 3rd degree burns from those old metal slides?! Seriously…even monkey bars can be too hot to grasp in the heat of the day.
5. Don’t allow children to climb over or around guard rails. They are there for a reason.
6. Remove all drawstrings or cords, as they can get caught in and around equipment leading to injury or even strangulation.
7. Supervise your child at all times. You don’t have to be within one arm’s length necessarily (if they are old enough to manage themselves safely), but don’t lose sight of them and don’t turn your back.
8. Always provide personal safety measures, such as plenty of water and sunscreen (and insect repellent where needed).

Photo credit: Peter E. Lee