Playgrounds are fun places where children can explore, move, and play. But they can be dangerous if children are unsupervised or if the area is not properly designed or maintained. Accidents happen for many reasons, but you can prevent them. The following tips can help you keep children safe.

Dress appropriately for the playground.

Remove necklace, purses, scarves, or clothing that can get caught in equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.
If children ride their bikes to the playground, make sure they wear a helmet.
178492839

Check playgrounds where your children play.

There should be no broken equipment.
Wooden equipment should not be cracking or splintering.
Metal equipment should not be rusted.

Little kids play differently than big kids.

Choose a playground with separate playground area for children under 5

Teach children that pushing, shoving, or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.

Make sure your children know the family rules for playground time.
Avoid playgrounds with non-impact absorbing surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt or gravel.

Adult Supervision

Adult supervision can help prevent injuries by making sure kids properly use playground equipment and don’t engage in unsafe behavior around it. If an injury does occur, an adult can assist the child and administer any needed first aid right away.