1) There must be an adult with each child or group of children on the playground at all times. Any problems should be reported to the adults in charge.

It is estimated that over 40% of playground injuries are linked to inadequate supervision. Good supervision at all times is important to prevent injury and to stop any bullying behavior or any actions which can lead to injury. If a minor injury does occur, strong supervision can ensure the child gets help right away. Having adults watching also encourages children to try their best to get along and to take turns. Ensuring children are supervised at all times ensures children are safe from wandering off, bullying and injury.

 

2) No oversize clothing, hoodies, or clothes with drawstrings are allowed on the playground.
Many caregivers may not even consider the risk, but strangulation is a leading cause of playground-related fatalities. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has created guidelines for drawstrings on clothing designed for kids to help prevent strangulation, but these rules are voluntary.

Untied shoes, jackets with cords, loose hoods and sleeves, costume capes and just about any clothes with drawstrings or loose elements can pose a hazard. Children can trip over long hems or can become entangled in equipment if they are wearing the wrong clothing for play. Inappropriate shoes can also cause them to slip on rungs and climbing equipment, so make the rules about appropriate clothing clear.

3) Children should only use equipment intended for their age.
Our playground play set is NOT intended for children over the age of 10.

The merry-go-round and jungle gym may be used by children up to age 12.

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Keep in mind, too, that having smaller children playing around larger children can present problems. Children between ages 2 and 5 are still working on balance and motor skills. They may be more prone to falls and may need more time to use certain pieces of equipment. When older kids move more quickly around them, they could more easily lose their balance. Smaller kids may also be intimidated by “bigger kids” on the playground and may not feel as comfortable exploring, so having separate areas or at least some equipment for each group can help ensure safety and can keep children feeling comfortable.

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4) Be extra careful on climbing equipment and never touch anyone who is climbing. Wait your turn instead of trying to climb, too.
Any piece of playground equipment which is at a height can create a danger of falls if used incorrectly. Though serious injuries from falls have become less common over the last decade, they’re still a hazard to watch out for. Safety precautions can go a long way toward continuing the trend of fewer fall injuries.

The right impact-absorbing surfacing can help, but the goal should still be to prevent falls entirely. Even with good surfacing, a child can land wrong. Make sure the rules emphasize not overcrowding climbing equipment and correct usage.

You may even want to limit how many kids can climb at the same time. Fewer children climbing means less risk of contact and falls and ensures parents and caregivers can watch the children on climbing equipment more closely for any signs of misuse.

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5) No running or playing tag or chase games on or around playground equipment.
Just like at any pool, children should not run around playground equipment. Kids who are running or playing tag on or around the playground can trip and fall, potentially falling off the playground equipment, or coming into contact with playground equipment or other children playing on the playground. This could cause serious injury.

Having kids walk can help ensure there’s no rush and no collisions, creating a safer space. No running can also make the playground more inclusive by ensuring that no one becomes overwhelmed or gets run over.

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6) When you get on or off equipment, make sure there is no one in the way.
When a child is going down a slide or starting to swing, they need to check to ensure there isn’t a child who they will impact with. When climbing on a climber or up a ladder, they also need to check to ensure there isn’t someone in the way. This simple rule can help prevent overcrowding and prevent accidental kicks and impact, ensuring all kids stay safer.

Young children are still learning to be aware of their surroundings and monitor their movements and may need a few helpful reminders from parents or caregivers.

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7) Touch the playground equipment before you start to play. If it is wet, hot, or cold, do not play. Tell an adult.
Ideally, parents or other caregivers will check playground equipment before children start to play. If they do not or do not check all equipment carefully, kids should be encouraged to recognize dangerous playground equipment. On a hot day, some playground equipment can become hot enough to cause burns.

On a cold day, it can be cold enough to cause injuries to hands and other exposed skin. Metal playground equipment can also be dangerous in the winter because a child’s tongue can stick to the cold metal if they get curious and lick the surface. Each year, this causes painful injuries to children.

Wet playground equipment, especially rungs and climbers, can be uncomfortable and can also be unsafe. Wet equipment can cause children to slip and fall, especially if they are wearing shoes without good treads. Sneakers, especially, can become very slippery on wet or damp climbers and playground equipment.

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8) Use the equipment as it is intended to be used. Ask an adult if you’re not sure how to use a piece of equipment.
Creativity is a great part of play, but when equipment is not used as intended, serious injuries can occur. When children slide down a slide sideways, upside down, or with limbs hanging over the sides, for instance, they can suffer abrasions, sprains, fractures, and other serious injuries. When climbers are not used as intended, falls can happen. Reminding children how equipment should be used encourages them to have fun in safe ways which reduce the risk of injury.

While most kids and parents know the right way to use a slide or swing, extra care may need to be taken if you have especially innovative pieces of equipment. Posting clear guidelines and rules at each play station ensures parents and caregivers can fully support children in playing safely.

There are some common playground rules for outdoor play that all children should follow to create a positive atmosphere for themselves and their peers. The playground can be an excellent place for children to learn how to get along well with others and regulate their own behavior.

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1) No pushing, shoving, or hitting.
Physical violence should not be tolerated in any form on the playground. Having a zero-tolerance policy is important in building an inclusive playground where all kids can feel safe and comfortable. This regulation is also important to help prevent injuries caused by playground aggression.

2) No teasing, bullying, or saying unkind words.
Playground rules for students, especially, should also focus on treating others with kindness and respect. Like physical abuse, verbal abuse should be completely disallowed. Children should be encouraged to use their words to build each other up rather than tearing each other down. Children should also include anyone who wants to join a group game rather than alienating other children who may be different from them.

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3) Take turns to use equipment, even if it means patiently waiting in line.

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Let's keep Shorewood Playground Safe and Fun!

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(source: https://littletikescommercial.com/blog/playground-rules-guidelines/#section5)

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