The playground. Bright colors, fun stuff to do, exercise for your kids. Free and easily accessible. What's not to love, right? Did you know that it is estimated that, each year, over 200,000 children will visit the emergency room because of a severe injury due to a playground-related accident? Or, scarier yet, that approximately 15 children will die from playground-related injuries?
Suddenly the playground doesn't seem like such a great place to be. Luckily, you don't have to miss out on fun on the slide this summer, thanks to the National Recreation and Park Association. They have a super brochure "The Dirty Dozen Checklist" that give parents a list of the Top 12 Safety Hazards in American's Playgrounds - check it out and next time that you're on a road trip and stop for a ride on the swings, keep the checklist in mind.
Nothing can ruin a summer vacation faster than an ER visit and you certainly do not want your child getting hurt - especially if you can help to prevent it.
Did You Know: Playground
Improper surfacing material under playground equipment is the leading cause of playground-related injuries. Over 79% of all accidents on playgrounds are from children's falling.
Did You Know: Packing
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend the use of drawstrings on children's outwear because of the potential strangulation hazard.
Alyson's tip - Keep a half-zip or pull-over fleece in the car and in your suitcase instead of hoodie sweatshirts so there is no battle over what to wear when going to a playground.
Did You Know: Parents
It is estimated that over 40% of all playground injuries are directly related to lack of supervision.
Alyson's tip - If you are tired from a long drive or distracted by the long trip ahead, it's not the time to visit the roadside playground you've come across. Get a coffee and take a break but if you are not able to keep a close eye on your kids, skip the slides and monkey bars. And, this should go without saying but - never, never leave your kids on a playground while you sit in your car or run into the rest stop. Do not leave your children unattended - in the park or anywhere else on your travels.
Thank you to the National Recreation and Park Association for the tips and brochure found in this column. You can visit the NRPA at www.nrpa.org.
