Make Every Playground Experience a Walk in the Park!

Prevent Playground Injuries

Playgrounds are a place where children can use their imagination and build memories. Children love to slide, swing, climb, and jump on playgrounds. Sadly, preventable playground falls are causing trips to the Emergency Room (ER). According to Safe Kids Worldwide, falls account for more than 75% of playground injuries. Children are hurt from the emotional, social, and physical injury. Families suffer financial loss and time off work. Family activities are being missed due to injury related treatments and recovery time. Injuries from falls can be prevented! Follow a few S.A.F.E. tips to make every playground visit a fun and memorable experience!

S.A.F.E. is an acronym used as the blueprint for playground safety. It was introduced by The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS). Anyone can use S.A.F.E. to prevent playground injuries.

“S” is for Supervision

Supervision means to be alert, attentive, and be where the children are playing. Read warning signs and follow the playground rules. Intervene when inappropriate behaviors occur on equipment. Watch for improper use of equipment. Dress appropriately for playground activity. Be aware of clothing, necklaces, shoe strings, and drawstrings that could get a child tangled in equipment. Last, remember to wear proper foot gear.

“A” is for Age Appropriate Design of Equipment

Playgrounds are not a one size fits all; separate playgrounds should be installed according to the standard consumer safety performance specification for playground equipment. There are three age recommended play areas. They are 6-23 months, 2-5 years, and 5-12 years. Keep in mind children’s physical and developmental capabilities. Age appropriate play areas are created to ensure positive emotional, social, and intellectual development with accessibility and play opportunities for all children.

“F” is for Fall Surfacing

Surfacing should be cushioned. It should be at least 12 inches deep. It should extend at least 6 feet in all directions around stationary equipment. Asphalt, dirt, concrete, and grass are NOT acceptable surfaces for under playground equipment. Loose fill materials such as pea gravel, wood products, sand, and other rubber products are appropriate. Rubber mats and synthetic turf may also be used and require less maintenance.

“E” is for Equipment and Surfacing Maintenance

Complete routine inspections. Follow the recommendations of the equipments manufacturer. Evaluate hazards in playground areas; including foreign objects and broken/damaged equipment. Look for entanglement hazards. Remove debris from the playground area and periodically paint, stain, or seal equipment to prevent deterioration.

There are all kinds of playgrounds; at home, school, daycare, parks and many other recreational areas. Use S.A.F.E. as a step into playground injury prevention. Teach children that pushing and shoving on the playground can be dangerous. And finally, enjoy every walk in the park this summer!

Playground adventures are a fun part of summer, but so is swimming! Continue to follow Safe Kids Fox Valley on Facebook for the launch of the “Water Watcher Program.” Water Watcher Cards will be available free for pick up at participating locations.