One of the best parts of any childhood, is letting your imagination run wild. What better place to do that than at a playground? It is imperative to let kids exercise their bodies, brains and social skills. It also gives them a chance for unstructured, free play that is important for healthy development.

However, at the core of every playset, whether that be in your backyard or at a public park, safety must be priority number one.

Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 children, ages 14 and younger, are treated in emergency rooms for playground-related injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 of these children are treated for traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Furthermore, nearly 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls.

Experts say active supervision could prevent nearly half of playground injuries. This includes:

• Keeping younger children away from equipment designed for older children. 

• Inspecting the playground for hazards before each use; avoiding broken equipment.

• Checking for safe temperatures on all equipment.

• Always supervising children.

• Checking that playgrounds have soft material under them such as wood chips, sand or mulch to help absorb a fall. 

• Dressing for safety – this includes clothes and shoes.

• Avoiding strangulation hazards: avoid wearing helmets, scarves, jewelry drawstrings, etc.

Kids should also know how to be safe and act responsibly while at the playground. 

• Never push or roughhouse while on playground equipment.

• Use all equipment properly – ie: sit down on the swings, do not climb up the slide, etc.

• Never use equipment that is wet, as the moisture makes the surfaces slippery.

• Always use the "one at a time" guideline when using equipment.

Remember, a playground is only as safe as everyone makes it. This important safety message is brought to you by your Union Hospital Emergency Trauma Team.