Safety at the Playground

Even though the weather is cooling, there are still plenty of days left to enjoy at the playground with your children. Spending time playing, learning, and talking with your child at the playground can make for a fun and rewarding experience. To prepare for a safe and enjoyable time, keep in mind some safety tips from the professionals.

According to KidsHealth, over 20,000 children are brought to the hospital for injuries that occured on the playground. Thankfully, one of the most important ways to prevent this is with attentive adult supervision. Be sure to keep an eye on your child to see if they’re pushing their limits too far and risking injury.

To work against injury, take these two approaches to playground safety: inspecting the playground and educating your child on safe play.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a handy playground safety checklist that can make your job easier. Among the factors to consider, be sure that your child’s favorite playground has a safe, soft surface around the playground equipment that extends far enough out (at least six feet from the equipment, and potentially more for swings).

When it comes to educating your child and talking about how to have a fun, safe trip to the playground, consider these helpful tips from KidsHealth:

  • Pushing and roughhousing should never be allowed on playground equipment

  • The equipment should be used the way they were intended to be used

  • Be aware of where other kids are when jumping off of equipment or hitting the slide

  • Store bikes, bags, and other items away from the play area to avoid tripping hazards

  • Wet playgrounds should be avoided as they have more potential for slipping

Perhaps lesser known but still important, consider the temperature of the playground equipment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns parents of the potential for thermal burns resulting from hot playground equipment. While the temperature is cooling down in Cortland County, it’s still important to consider slides, swings, and other materials that could’ve been heated up from the sun. Keep in mind that two-year-olds and younger are at the most risk from thermal burns because of their skin being thinner and more delicate.

Playgrounds are a fun way to get outside and add some activity into your daily routine. By keeping in mind safety and by teaching and talking with your child about how to stay safe while having fun, you and your child can make the most of your time at the playground.


Toddlers, School Age, PreschoolersMatt Whitman