Playground Pointers

Summertime is playground time,
so make sure your next visit to the local
park is a safe one by following these tips:

Forget relaxing with a good book. Lack of supervision accounts for 40 percent of playground injuries, so keep a close eye on your child at all times to make sure he or she is using the equipment properly.

Check for unsafe equipment. Are the swings or slides damaged? Are the nets or ropes frayed? Does everything seem to be secured properly?

Keep your children in age-appropriate areas. Don’t let young children play on the older children’s equipment; there’s a good chance they will be knocked down or otherwise injured.

Dress your child for the occasion. Avoid jewelry, hoodies, and other loose clothing. Have your child wear a brightly colored shirt so you can easily pick him or her out of the crowd.