Hacer que los parques infantiles sean seguros

(En inglés)

Action 4. Make Playgrounds Safe

Narrator: Children need opportunities to play in safe outdoor environments to develop a healthy active lifestyle, but playgrounds are also a place where active children can fall or be injured. An ideal playground is one that encourages children to challenge themselves while presenting little risk of injury. So, how can you foster a culture of safety on playgrounds? 

Select and correctly install safe, age-appropriate, and developmentally appropriate structures. The playground should separate active play areas such as swings and slides away from quieter activities such as a sandbox, nature-based learning, and dramatic play. Separate infant and toddler play areas from preschool play areas. 

Maintain safe surfaces under and around swings, slides, climbers, and other playground equipment. The surface material under playground equipment should be able to cushion a child's fall. Asphalt, cement, dirt, and grass are not safe surfaces. Choose and maintain surfacing that is right for your climate and the age of the children.

Keep use zones clear. Make sure there are no benches, fences, or other objects in the areas around play equipment. They should also be free of things like tricycles, toys, rocks, and other children. 

Actively supervise. Position yourself to maximize the number of children you can see. Make sure there is someone positioned near equipment most likely to cause an injury. National data show that monkey bars, swings, and slides are common locations for playground injuries. Scan and count children frequently, and listen for signs that children may need help. 

Anticipate children's behavior on the playground. If there are too many children on one structure, or if they are misusing it, engage and redirect them to another part of the playground. 

Inspect and repair. Outdoor play spaces are subject to wear and tear. Conduct a safety check with a checklist every time children use the playground. This will help you identify hazards that may have appeared unexpectedly. A safety check will also alert you to pieces of equipment that may be broken or worn. Eliminate hazards immediately or restrict access to the unsafe area until repairs are completed.

Here are some questions to consider: Does your program have a checklist for daily playground inspections? Do you know who is responsible for maintaining playground equipment and surfacing? Do staff have an active supervision plan for the playground? Do staff know how to check for safe temperatures and healthy air quality before taking children out to play? Do staff bring a first aid kit and emergency supplies to the playground? 

In a program committed to a culture of safety, staff should be able to answer these questions easily with "Yes". When we focus on playground safety, we give children a safe and fun way to grow and play.