Top Safety Tips to Keep Children Safe at the Playground

Playgrounds are terrific places for kids to get out all of their energy, enjoy the great outdoors, socialize with other children, makeup games, and stretch their imaginations. Parents, grandparents, and anyone with a child in their care need to do their best to ensure their child’s safety while visiting the playground.

Here are our top safety tips for keeping children safe and sound while enjoying the playground.

Inspect the Playground Equipment to Assure Its Safety

It may be tempting to turn the kids loose as soon as you arrive at the playground,  but it is a good idea to take a look at the playground equipment first. Ensure it is in good working order and does not have broken parts or sharp edges, and that nothing is loose that should not be.

Equipment should not have 

Age-appropriate playground equipment can protect younger kids from injuries. By allowing younger kids to use equipment designed for older children, they are put at risk for injury. Children, even those who are somewhat older, may not be on the lookout for younger children when they swing, slide, or climb.

It is best to avoid areas that children are not quite ready for, but if you are not sure, stay attentive. If you notice your child might be in a spot that is not safe, remove them before there is an accident.

An experienced personal injury attorney can tell you that many children’s playground injuries could be averted with more attentive adult supervision. Further, always being aware of what the kids are doing can help you intervene if they are not following safety guidelines.

Strive to be Best Dressed for the Playground

In this case, being best dressed is not a superlative but a way to stay safe. When visiting the playground, make sure your children are dressed appropriately. Here are some of our suggestions:

• Wear closed-toed shoes
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing
• Shoes with good traction are a must
• Leave the jewelry at home as it can get caught on things and cause problems

Work on Good Manners at the Playground

Practicing appropriate playground etiquette is another way to stay safe and ensure your child is a good playmate. Speak to your child about not pushing or showing, practice giving their playmates personal space, and take turns by waiting patiently.

Advise your children to use another piece of equipment if one seems too crowded. Learning to play well with others and share the space goes a long way toward keeping your children safe.

Supervising Children When at the Park Keeps Them Safe

Shouts of “watch this” and “look at me” ring out from every playground in the known world, so it usually is pretty difficult not to see what your child is doing. But it never hurts to be reminded.

It is easy to get distracted by a phone, a friend, or a book. Keeping a close eye on your child can keep them from endangering themselves with unsafe behavior.

Make sure you pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, protective clothing, and plenty of water so your child is well-hydrated and protected from the elements. Offer drinks regularly; if your child is having a good time, they may not stop to hydrate.

Other Playground Safety Tips

Though visiting the playground is a social time for kids, crowded playgrounds are not a lot of fun. Consider the times that your local playground is less crowded and visit then.

Teach kids to behave appropriately when playing on the equipment. Using the equipment as it is intended is vital so that the children enjoying the playground can remain safe.

Prepare for emergencies by having a charged telephone and a first aid kit close at hand. This way, if there is an emergency, you can call for help and begin taking care of minor injuries on your own. Teaching your child how to identify an emergency and dial 911 is always a good idea.

Enjoy Your Local Playground

Kids benefit from running and playing, pretending, and making up games with friends. With just a few precautions, you can ensure their safety while they enjoy their time at the playground. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings, inspect the playground equipment, and keep a close eye on your child.

You both can have a wonderful day that ends safely. Get out there and enjoy yourselves!