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Playgrounds are great places for your child to play!
They encourage exercise, skill building and allow your child to meet other children. It is important for you to know the possible hazards at playgrounds so your child can play safely.
Here's how to keep your child safe:
Make sure your child is not wearing anything that could strangle him/her. This includes drawstrings, scarves, and mittens with strings. Also make sure that your child takes off their bike helmet before playing on the playground equipment, and skipping ropes are not brought onto the equipment. |
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Clothing tips
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Use clips for mittens, NOT a string!
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Use a neck warmer, NOT a scarf!
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Bring a packsack to put skipping ropes, bike helmets, a first aid kit and a healthy lunch in. This keeps your hands free!
Equipment tips
Before your child plays on the playground, do a check to make sure that the equipment and surroundings are safe. Download the Playground Safety Brochure to help you know what to look for.
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Check the playground surface. It should have a deep, soft surface. Dirt and grass is not appropriate. Acceptable surfacing options include: soft rubber mats, lots of sand, pea gravel, or wood chips. If your child falls, the surfacing will help absorb the shock.
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To test the surfacing dig your heel into the surface, it should be at least 15 cm (or 6 inches) deep.
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Give handrails, barriers and railings a wiggle to check if they are loose.
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Walk with your child through the playground. Play "I SPY" to point out hazards.
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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.
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Look for broken glass, garbage, sharp edges, and bolts that can stick out.
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Ensure the removal of rodent and stinging insect nests or spider webs.
Supervision Tips
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.
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Teach your child about playground rules such as:
- wait for your turn
- feet first when using the slide
- hold onto railings
- sit down on slides and swings
- stay away from moving swings and the bottom of slides
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Children aged 5-12:
- Make sure that the equipment is being used properly and safely.
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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.
- 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 a playground, please contact the following:
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Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630
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City of Thunder Bay Parks and Recreation Department at 625-2351
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At a school playground, speak to the school's principal or call the school board office
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At a daycare playground, speak to the daycare supervisor
Most injuries are predictable and preventable.
Safety is no accident!