Every year, more than 200,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for playground-related injuries. However many of these injuries could have been prevented with the proper supervision.

A playground should be an entertaining and safe place for your child. Yet years of wear and tear can take its toll on even the most sound, well-built playground equipment. For this reason, it's always a good idea to take a moment, before your kids pile onto the slides and swings, to check playground equipment for potential hazards, even if it is a playground you visit on a routine basis.

Start by making sure there is adequate soft landing surfaces under all play equipment. Sand, wood chips and rubber matting should be in place in all potential fall spots.

Check the surface temperature of the play equipment, particularly if it is warm outside. Extremely hot metal can lead to burns. Examine wooden equipment for splintering and metal equipment for rust. Finally, check all equipment for loose joints, open chains, exposed bolts and sharp edges.

There is also the question of what age a child should be allowed on certain play equipment. Children younger than five should be closely supervised and play on equipment separate from older children. A teeter-totter (seesaw) should only be used by children ages three and over. Those sharing a teeter-totter should be close in age and of similar weight.

Swing sets can also pose safety hazards. Children should sit in a bucket swing with leg holes until he or she is able to safely sit in the middle of a standard swing. Children always should use both hands while swinging and no more than one child should occupy the same swing. Kids also should stay away from swings while others are using them.

Here are a few other playground pointers. Make sure children go single-file up steps to use slides and that they do not climb up the slide's surface. Children should exit the slide landing, so that other children coming down the slide don't fall onto a child at the bottom of the slide. Also, make sure kids are not wearing jewelry or clothing with strings attached that may get caught in playground equipment and cause injury or choking.

Take just a few minutes to perform a quick examination of your children's playground equipment, before the fun beings. There's a good chance you'll prevent an accident or potential injury.


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