Child safety tips

Playgrounds
Because playgrounds are designed for kids and are often on public property, parents expect that their children will be safe in them. But not all playgrounds are safe, not all the equipment is kept in safe condition, and not all kids play safely on the equipment or in the playground. Most often, injuries occur because kids use the equipment in ways no one expected it to be used. Few playgrounds have supervision, so parents have to monitor their children's playground activities until they reach an age for independent play with other children. If your child doesrA use the equipment properly, it may be because he's bored with it and it's time for him to move on to other sports or activities. Here's what kids should know about playing in playgrounds.

• Always slide, hang, or jump feet first.
• Use the equipment one person at a time, and move away when you I ve finished your turn.
• Don't climb onto the roof of a covered slide.
• Use only the equipment that you're big enough to reach.
• Don't stand on swings, don't climb on the supports, don't ride double, and dotA jump off in mid-swing. Don't walk in front of or behind someone who is swinging.
• Remove your bike helmet when you play on equipment.
• Remove scarves and mittens on cords, any outer clothing with drawstrings, hoods, or any features that could easily get caught in the mechanisms of playground equipment and cause strangulation.

Before you allow your child to use a playground or a particular piece of equipment, look it over and even give it a shake to make sure the equipment is in good repair. Look for sharp points and edges or any loose pieces or protrusions that could catch on clothes and pinch little fingers. If repairs are needed, call the park management or agency responsible for keeping the equipment in good repair.

If necessary, get together with other parents to clear the area of debris and branches, to make sure the apparatus is well spaced and safe for use by several children. Ensure kids leave their bikes and toys at a safe distance from the playground equipment. Above all, make sure that your child is strong enough and agile enough to climb on the apparatus he chooses. Falls from equipment account for 59 per cent of all playground injuries.

Apply all the guidelines for protection from the sun when your children will be outside for any length of time in a playground. Children should be protected from the sun's direct rays by wearing a cap or hat and having a long-sleeved shirt available. They should apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and frequently reapply it as long as they stay outside.

Home Pool Safety
Half of all the deaths by drowning that occur in Canada take place in
home pools. If you have a backyard pool, it's your responsibility to keep
everyone who uses it safe. Here's what to remember.
• The fence around the pool must meet your municipalitys bylaws.
• Usually, the fence must be at least 1.5 in (5 ft.) high and go around
all four sides, including the side that leads to the deck or patio doors.
• Keep furniture away from the fence so that kids can't use the furniture to climb over the fence.
• Put two locks on the gate, a day lock and a heavy-duty night lock.
• Install night lighting.
• Have a phone available beside the pool.
• Be very careful about the toys you let children bring to the pool. If a toy rolls into the water, children might reach for it and fall into the water.
• Store pool chemicals under lock and key.
• Write out pool rules to reduce the risks of injury or drowning. Post them and teach your child and visiting friends to follow them. Let them know that banishment is the punishment for not following the rules!

Swimming classes are a good idea for any children who haven't yet learned to swim. If you're planning a children's pool party, hire a qualified lifeguard. There may also be a teenager in your neighbourhood who has her lifeguard certification. But when you're away from home, it may not be wise to let a teenage baby sitter supervise the kids in the pool. It's a huge responsibility.