Playground safety
Because playgrounds are built for kids and are often on school board or municipal property, parents expect them to be safe. But not all playgrounds are safe and not all children play safely in playgrounds. Although municipal pools are obliged to have lifeguards on duty, usually there is no official supervision in a playground. However, there is an agency responsible for park management and for equipment.
For the most part, it's how children use the playground equipment that causes most injuries. If a child starts misusing a piece of equipment, there's a good chance that she has mastered it and is just plain bored. It may be time to move on to another activity. Teach your kids these rules:
• Always slide, hang, or jump feet first.
• Use equipment one at a time, and move away when you're done.
• Don't climb onto the roof of a covered slide.
• Only use equipment that you can reach.
• On swings, don't stand, don't climb on supports, don't ride double, and don't jump off mid-swing.
• Don't walk in front or behind when someone is swinging.
• Remove your bike helmet when playing on the equipment.
• Remove jackets with drawstrings or other clothing with features that could get caught in the mechanisms.
Before you allow your child to use a playground or a particular piece of equipment, give it a quick once-over and even a shake. In general, the metal equipment should be rust-free and any wood surfaces should be treated to prevent rotting. The best climbing bars have hand grips. Make sure the equipment is in good repair. Look for sharp points and edges or any loose pieces or protrusions that can catch clothes and pinch or break fingers. If you see the need for repairs, call the park management.
