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 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.

Helpful Equipment Tips

• 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.
• 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 and stinging insect nests or spider webs.

Supervise Your Child

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 such as:
  - waiting 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
• Children aged 5-12: 
  - 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.
  - 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:

• Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 625-5900 or 1-88-294-6630
• City of Thunder Bay Parks and Recreation Department at 625-2351
• At a school playground, speak to the school's principal or call the school board office
• At a daycare playground, speak to the daycare supervisor