More and more students across Southern California are ending their academic year. The last day of school reminds us that the summer season has officially begun.
Summer provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy outdoor sports and leisure activities in the warm climate. As a result, playgrounds are popular places for families to visit. However, playground accidents are not uncommon. In 2012, more than 600,000 children were injured on playgrounds.
These safety tips are helpful to keep in mind when visiting a playground:
- Look for playgrounds that have protective surfaces throughout the play area, such as sand, wood chips or rubber.
- Inspect the equipment. If there are screws and bolt ends that are clearly protruding, don’t use the equipment.
- Check the temperature of any and all slides before a child uses them. Is it cool enough to the touch? If not, instruct children not to use it. Burns and/or skin irritations can be prevented this way.
- In a similar token, always check the temperature of a swing before placing a child on it. Rubber and plastic can heat to scorching temperatures in the summer sun. Also, make sure the swing seat is made of a soft and smooth material that won’t pinch or snag skin.
- Encourage children to always wear shoes, and to never go barefoot when using playground equipment.
- If children are riding bicycles or scooters around a playground, make sure they are wearing the correct helmet for their age and size.
- Always supervise children while they are at play.
If your child or a loved one has been a victim of a playground accident, my firm may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation. Your family’s safety and well-being are important to us.
