Playground Safety Week

National Playground Safety Week is April 21 – 25, 2025. Playgrounds have long been a cherished space for children to enjoy the great outdoors, learn essential social skills, and engage in physical activity. It’s important to teach children about playground safety at every age. Playgrounds safety doesn’t just happen. It requires people like you to take action!

Teach Playground Safety

Review the posted rules with your child when you arrive at a playground. Walk around the playground together to look for potential hazards, as well as equipment that is, and is not, age-appropriate for your child.

Teach children to use playground equipment appropriately. Review how to properly play on swings, slides, monkey-bars, and climbing equipment as needed. Remind children to look out for others and to take turns so everyone can safely enjoy the playground.

Setting Standards

Safe playgrounds start with guardians and caretakers advocating for reasonable safety precautions and considerations. When exploring an unfamiliar playground, consider “S.A.F.E.” standards:

• Supervision – appropriate adult supervision of children. Even when using backyard play equipment, it’s important to supervise children at all times in case of an accident.
• Age-appropriate – ensure the playground equipment is appropriate for specific age groups.
• Fall surfacing – inspect the surfaces beneath and surrounding playground equipment to ensure adequate protection from falls.
• Equipment – survey the playground equipment for adequate maintenance and overall safety hazards. Report any concerns to the group responsible for the playground.

Avoid playground accidents by remaining aware of potential hazards and risks. If you notice damaged or unsafe equipment or surfaces, report concerns immediately to the overseeing group. Many playgrounds have signs posted that provide not only rules and regulations, but also contact information to make safety reports.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Safe At Play; Playground Guardian

Image Source: Premier Park & Play