Protecting Kids During Playtime

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Protecting Kids During Playtime
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Play has often been called the work of children,
a time when they exercise growing bodies, wild
imaginations and all-important friendships.
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Whether your youngster is cavorting at the beach,
on the playground, in the back yard or playing
with other kids at day camp ...
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... youll want to make sure theyre having fun
and staying free of any major injuries (the
occasional scraped knee is pretty unavoidable!).
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Protect your youngsters and their pals from
playtime hazards by following some sound safety
guidelines.
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Adult Supervision
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Theres 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.
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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.
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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.
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Playground Safety
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Playgrounds, from a simple swing set to an
elaborate and colorful play-scape, are perennial
kid favorites.
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Before you turn the little ones loose, however,
do a quick inspection of the premises to check
for some common hazards.
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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.
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If possible, dont 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.
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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.
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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.
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Bike Safety
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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.
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Make sure your youngster wears one at all times
and that its properly fitted.
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Kids should also have lights on their bikes, wear
reflective gear and know the rules of the road
its estimated that reflectors reduce the risk of
being hit by a car by about 85 percent.
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Many community centers, police forces and fire
districts conduct bike safety classes look for
one in your neighborhood this spring.
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If preschoolers are cruising around your
driveway, block off the path with an extension
ladder to stop them from drifting into the street.
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Waterfront Safety
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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, its
important to keep a sharp eye on them.
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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.
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Young children or inexperienced swimmers should
wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket both in
and around the water.
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Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day
camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.
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Experienced staff will keep your child both safe
and busy with arts and crafts, games, water
sports, gymnastics and more.
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Visit the site at www.maplewoodyearround.com
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150 Foundry St. (Route 106) PO Box 88
(Mailing) South Easton, MA 02375 Email
info_at_maplewoodyearround.com Telephone (508)
238-2387 FAX [phone]