Playground Safety

Each year 20 children ages 14 and under die from injuries related to playground equipment. In 2004, more than 206,900 children received emergency treatment for playground equipment-related injuries. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 account for 75 percent of those injuries.

An afternoon at the local playground could be just the thing to flex muscles and lift spirits. Playgrounds are a great place for children to develop motor, cognitive, perceptual and social skills.

Supervision is the key to playground safety. Lack of supervision is associated with 40 percent of the injuries that take place on the playground. Falls top the list, accounting for 80 percent of the most severe injuries.

Prevention

Go out and have fun but make your children's play safe by following these tips:

• Be sure you can see and hear your children so you can remind them of proper playground rules if they start to get over eager or try to play on inappropriate equipment.
• Make sure your children follow the fundamental rules of the playground—slide feet first, sit on the swings and use handrails when climbing a ladder. Remind them too, not to push or shove and to take turns on the equipment.
• Guide your children to the equipment that is appropriate for their size and age. Show them how to use the equipment properly and be especially cautious with equipment that spins or involves stairs.
• Have your children remove scarves or loose strings before they begin to play and leave necklaces and purses at home. Tie shoe laces securely to avoid tripping or getting tangled up with the equipment.

You can learn more by visiting THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PLAYGROUND SAFETY.

< Prev		Next >