Caution! Children at Play

Remember how much fun you had as a child at the playground swinging, sliding and climbing on the monkey bars? Chances are you also recall a time when your fun landed you--or a friend--in the emergency room.

An estimated 200,000 playground injuries to children are reported annually, according to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS). In a study conducted by the NPPS last year, America's playgrounds got a C- for safety. Here's how to be sure your child's public play area is safe:

Be certain a watchful adult is on the scene. An estimated 40 percent of these injuries are related to inadequate adult supervision. If you're unable to monitor your child's play, always have a reliable adult on the lookout.

Note: One size does not fit all. Playgrounds should allow for energetic play, and the safest way is through the use of age-appropriate equipment. Kids ages 2 to 5 are weaker and less coordinated than 5-to-12-year-olds. For the younger set, look for tot swings, slides (no taller than four feet), lower platforms and crawl tunnels. Children 5 and up can safely use tire swings, sliding poles, seesaws and merry-go-rounds.

Conduct a surface check. Avoid areas that use asphalt, blacktop, concrete or packed dirt as cushioning. Instead opt for hardwood fiber or mulch, pea gravel, sand or rubber tiles. Cushioning should extend at least six feet in all directions from the equipment's perimeter. Look for other potential hazards, such as broken pieces of glass and debris lying around; your child could be seriously injured if he falls. And ask yourself these questions: Is the playground designed in such a way that accidents are more likely to happen? For example, does the slide dump children into the path of the swings? If there is metal equipment, is it in a shaded area or does it have a rubberized surface to prevent burns?

Examine all equipment thoroughly. Give everything from climbers to swings the once-over. Swings should have nonmetal seats, stand alone and be positioned at least 24 inches apart. Slides should have firm handgrips and drainage holes on the steps to reduce slippage. Merry-go-rounds must be securely anchored to the ground and have easy-grip handles.