Heading to the playground this summer? Here are our top tips on how to keep your child safe.
Spring is now in full swing, which means one thing and one thing only – summer is right around the corner!
Summer is by far the best season for children to enjoy outdoor play areas. And with no jackets or winter coats in sight, the sweet melody of the ice cream van somewhere in the distance and the sun cracking the flags whilst they tire themselves out, it’s the recipe for a perfect afternoon.
However, with the summer comes more hazards, so teaching children how to use playground equipment safely during this time is non-negotiable.
In this post, our experts at Setter Play share their top tips on using playground equipment this summer.
Check the temperature of the equipment
Just like the pavement, your car bonnet and garden wall, playground equipment, particularly metal play pieces, can get extremely hot sitting under the sun. And such high temperatures have the potential to seriously damage your child’s skin.
Simply use your best judgement and always err on the side of caution.
If slides, steps and handrails are hot to touch, then they’re likely too dangerous for children to be using, especially since their skin is much more sensitive than ours.
Ensure that shoes are worn at all times
The temperature of playground equipment isn’t the only thing that heats up in the baking hot sunshine.
The ground can get rather hot too, so shoes are a must to protect your children’s tootsies from the heat – no matter how insistent they are on going barefoot.
A comfortable pair of trainers that you don’t mind getting all scuffed up as they play are ideal and you should try to avoid sandals and flip-flops as they can be a massive trip hazard.
Leave the area surrounding the equipment clear
Of course, when you’re heading off for a day at the park, you’ll be taking a backpack full of essentials for the day, and the kids may even make their way there on bikes or scooters.
When setting these down, make sure to keep them well away from the playground equipment to limit trip and fall hazards as much as possible. The last thing you need is a grazed knee or a bumped head putting a damper on your day out.
Never use playground equipment when wet
The UK is no stranger to summertime showers.
Whilst you might be determined not to let it ruin your playground plans, you should avoid it until the weather has dried up a little, as letting your children loose on wet equipment can be very risky.
Need more summer playground safety tips?
Whether you’re a parent looking for more ways to keep your children safe when using playground equipment this summer, or a local council or headteacher wanting to install new pieces in your park or schoolyard just in time, we’re here for you.
At Setter Play, we’ve been manufacturing the highest quality play equipment since 1997, so you can consider us your go-to company to help spruce up your play area ready for the sunshine.
To chat with one of our friendly experts, call 01462 817 538 or send your enquiries by email to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
