Helpful Clothing Tips:

·        Use clips for mittens, NOT a string!

·        Use a neck warmer, NOT a scarf!

·        Bring a packsack to put skipping ropes, bike helmets, a first aid kit and a healthy lunch in. This keeps your hands free!

Check the Playground: Before your child even plays on the playground, do a check to make sure that the equipment and surroundings are safe. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has a helpful pamphlet to help you quickly check the playground. If you do not have a pamphlet you can Playground Safety Brochure. The tips below can help you make sure that your playground is safe:

Helpful Equipment Tips:

·        Check the surfacing of the playground. It should have a deep, soft surface. Dirt and grass surface is not appropriate. Possible surfacing includes: soft rubber mats, lots of sand, pea gravel, or wood chips. If your child falls, the surfacing will help absorb the shock

·        To Test the Surfacing: dig your heel into the surface, it should be at least 15 cm (or 6 inches) deep

·        Give handrails, barriers and railings a wiggle to check if they are loose!

·        Walk with your child through the playground. Play "I SPY" to point out hazards!

·        Watch for spaces in the equipment that are larger than 9 cm (3 ½ inches) and smaller than 22.5 cm (9 inches). These spaces can trap your child's head or neck.

·        Look for broken glass, garbage, sharp edges, and bolts that can stick out

·        Ensure the removal of rodent & stinging insect nests or spider webs

Supervise Your Child:

You must watch your child closely! Children aged 18 months-5 years like to put things in their mouth and children aged 5-12 years like to take risks like jumping from high places. The tips below can help you to actively supervise your child:

Helpful Supervision Tips:

·        Teach your child about playground rules. Remember to include
Waiting for your turn.
- Feet first when using the slide.
- Don't go up the slide latter until the other person has gone down on the slide.
- Hold onto the railings.
- Sit down on slides and swings.
- Stay away from moving swings and the bottom of slides

·        Children aged 5-12
- Watch what they are doing because children this aged likes to take risks. Make sure that the equipment is being used properly and safely.

·        Children aged 18 months-5 years
- Keep your child off of equipment higher than 1.5 meters (or 5 feet). Most adults can reach at least 1.5 meters easily therefore you can reach them if need be
Make sure you stand beside your child while she is climbing, riding in a swing, or playing on equipment that is above the ground. You must be able to reach your child at all times.
- Stay close at all times. Follow your child as they make their way around the playground
- Keep your child off of equipment that is meant for older children. Playgrounds should have 2 different sets of equipment: one set for children aged 18 months-5 years and one set for children aged 5 years-12 years. A fence should separate the two areas and signs should be posted. The rule of thumb is: "If your child needs help onto the equipment, they should not use it"

If you have questions or concerns about your child's playground please contact the following: