Backyard safety

Backyards play structures are wonderful ways for children to develop and improve coordination, a sense of self-movement and body position, strength, balance and flexibility while at home. Supervision of young children is essential in all types of structures. The following tips can also help keep kids safe while playing.

Play structures

• Ensure that equipment has handrails and adequate barriers.
• Equipment should have no sharp edges or protruding bolts.
• Make sure to install loosely packed sand, wood chips, pea gravel, mulch or shredded rubber under the equipment to lessen the impact of a fall.
• Make sure that your children are not wearing scarves, clothing with drawstrings or cords on the equipment.

Trampolines and Inflatable bouncers

Backyard trampolines and inflatable bouncers are not recommended. Most injuries on trampolines occur while jumping on them and not from falling off. If you, however, choose to purchase a trampoline or inflatable bouncer, follow these safety recommendations:

• Enforce the rule that one child can be on the trampoline at a time during use.
• Never attempt flips without adequate gymnastics training.
• Never allow kids to play on a trampoline or inflatable bouncer unsupervised.
• Ensure that children remove shoes and jewelry before jumping on a trampoline or inflatable bouncer.
• Inflatable bouncers should not be used in the presence of high winds.
• The bouncers should be well secured to the ground and away from hazardous objects.
• Soft matting should cover hard surfaces around the open sides of the inflatable bouncer.
• Restrict the number of children playing on an inflatable bouncer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Group children by age and size when playing on an inflatable bouncer.

Lawnmowers

• Make sure that young children are far away from a lawnmower when in use.
• Children less than 13 years of age should not be operating a lawnmower.
• Remove all materials such as rocks, sticks and toys from the area to be mowed.
• Make sure that the lawnmower has a feature that stops the motor when the handle is released.