Swings, Slides and Safety

Jose reaches for Mars on his favorite swing; Greta swooshes her way through the maze and Mrs. S. scans the mulch-covered scene like a security guard prepared for an emergency. Imagination thrives in playgrounds, allowing children freedom to explore, discover and just have fun. However, playgrounds are also the source of accidental injuries. In 2002, more than 486,000 children were treated for playground injuries, costing more than $11.1 billion. Climbing equipment pose the most hazards, with swings, and slides following close behind. Most Injuries can easily be prevented.
Playground safety is a top priority in child care and out-of-school time programs. Federal and state regulations now require basic safety measures, such as shock –absorbing materials on the ground, (effective in October 2004 for NJ child care centers) and even public playgrounds have begun labeling equipment as appropriate for a certain age range. In addition to equipment safety, playground safety also means fences to keep children from wandering off and sunscreen to protect their skin.
“Perhaps the most important aspect of a safe playground is adult supervision. Children must use the equipment safety, without jumping off bars and swings. And while it may be fun to climb up a slide, children should only slide down,” said Tracey Owate, RNC, child care health consultant for CCCC.
Adult supervision begins with a careful inspection of the playground, whether it is a public facility, center facility or a home swing set. Check the following before allowing children to play.
• Look for sharp points, splinters, corrosion, open “S” hooks and protruding bolt ends.
• Pick up all litter or garbage.
• Surfaces under the equipment, whether it is a mat, pea gravel, sand, mulch or shredded rubber, should be at least 9 inches deep and extend at least 6 feet in all directions from the equipment.
• Remove dangling ropes or pet leashes.
• Secure guardrails on ramps and platforms.
• Inspect ladder and steps for missing, broken or loose pieces.
• Look for tripping hazards, such as tree roots and exposed footings.
• Avoid wood or metal swing seats.

“It is also very important to only allow children to play on equipment that is
age-appropriate” said Ms. Owate. “Many public playgrounds will have two sets of apparatus, one for preschoolers and one for older children. Four- year- old Tyler may love to go fast, but it would not be safe to let him climb the six foot ladder to the slide designed for older children.”
Since it only takes a split second for a child to collide with a moving swing or seesaw, children’s behavior must be closely monitored. Safety rules must be explained to preschoolers and toddlers should be accompanied around the equipment. The equipment may be in top shape and conform to all safety codes, but if a child is allowed to jump off a moving object or climb up a slide, an accident is waiting to happen.
“It is the child’s behavior—especially the fearless child—that often results in a serious injury,” said Ms. Owate. “That’s why adult supervision is so important, even for the school-age child.”
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, children are injured due to
• Falls off equipment and land directly on the surface
• Fall off equipment and strike other equipment
• Collisions with a moving swing, merry-go-round or teeter-totter
• Drawstrings from clothing catching in equipment
• Coils of a spring rocker pinching a child’s foot or hand

Additional safety precautions include
• Using sunscreen and hats on children while outdoors
• Providing water while children are playing, especially in the summer, to avoid dehydration
• Keeping a first aid kit close by
• Monitoring outsiders, both children and adults, who join the group at public playgrounds

“Summer is a special time for children; we just need to ensure they stay safe in
their pursuit of fun and exploration,” commented Ms. Owate.