Summer Tip: Playground Safety

Here is another tip from our Summer Safety Ideas for the summer : We hope you are all having a great and safe summer!

Playground Safety

The playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches (6 inches for shredded rubber). The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.

• Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open “S” hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
• Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
• Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
• Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.  If you see something tied to the playground, remove it or call the playground operator to remove it.
• Make sure your children remove helmets and anything looped around their necks.
• Metal, rubber and plastic products can get very hot in the summer, especially under direct sun.
• Make sure slides are cool to prevent children’s legs from getting burned.
• Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground.
• Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.
• Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.

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**Info from AAP