Protecting Kids During Playtime

Play has often been called the work of children, a time when they exercise growing bodies, wild imaginations and all-important friendships. Whether your youngster is cavorting at the beach, on the playground, in the back yard or playing with other kids at day camp, you'll want to make sure they're having fun and staying free of any major injuries (the occasional scraped knee is pretty unavoidable!). Protect your youngsters and their pals from playtime hazards by following some sound safety guidelines.

Adult Supervision

There's no replacing appropriate adult supervision. From a neighborhood parent to a caring summer day camp counselor, supervision is the number one factor in keeping play time safe and protected. When watching a group of kids be mindful of pushing, shoving or overcrowding play equipment. Of course, waterfront supervision requires the highest level of vigilance; it only takes a second for tragedy to strike. Kids should also be taught to play responsibly, not roughhousing on equipment like slides and jungle gyms, sliding feet first and not climbing on outside guardrails.

Playground Safety

Playgrounds, from a simple swing set to an elaborate and colorful play-scape, are perennial kid favorites. Before you turn the little ones loose, however, do a quick inspection of the premises to check for some common hazards. Be sure equipment appears well-maintained and free of sharp objects, protruding screws or nails, splinters, debris, stumps and standing water. Keep kids under five off equipment made for the "big kids". If possible, don't go to a playground with concrete, grass or dirt groundcover; shredded woodchips, rubber mats, sand or other loosely filled materials about 12 inches deep and extending out at least six feet from play structures provide the safest surface. The combined height of the playground structure and the child standing on the highest point should not be higher than 12 feet for optimum safety. Sand boxes should be clear sticks, bugs and broken glass and ideally should be covered at night to prevent being used as a "litter box" by roaming animals.

Bike Safety

Everyone knows that no one, kids included, should take even the shortest bike ride without a helmet; bike injuries account for more emergency room injuries in kids from five to 15 than any other sport. Make sure your youngster wears one at all times and that it's properly fitted. Kids should also have lights on their bikes, wear reflective gear and know the rules of the road; it's estimated that reflectors reduce the risk of being hit by a car by about 85 percent. Many community centers, police forces and fire districts conduct bike safety classes; look for one in your neighborhood this spring. If preschoolers are cruising around your driveway, block off the path with an extension ladder to stop them from drifting into the street.

Waterfront Safety

Warm weather is on the way (finally!) and you and the kids will soon be sinking your toes in the sand. Even if your kids know how to swim, it's important to keep a sharp eye on them. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches, look out for round waves and rip currents and protect your neck by diving in feet first unless you are positive the water is very deep. Young children or inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket both in and around the water.

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

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