Rules and Safety

1. SUPERVISE your children...or better yet, play with them...
   
   • Position yourself so you can see them at all time,
   • Stay with them as they explore the various levels of the structure, particularly new ones,
   • Help them use the suspension equipment; their upper body strength may be inadequate.

2. EDUCATE yourself and your children about the safe use of playground equipment...

• Warn them not to run too close to moving equipment, especially swings,
• Teach them to go around and not in front of slide run-off areas,
• Check playground sand for broken glass or other waste material. Advise children to look out for harmful objects and stay away until a maintenance person or other adult has cleaned them up,
• Remove sticks, stones and other natural debris from playground areas,
• Don't allow your children to wear clothing with drawstrings, scarfs or other items which could catch on slides and swings,
• Encourage children to use equipment properly, to not walk on handrails or climb on top of structures.

3.MATCH the play equipment your child uses with his or her age, ability and size...

• Remember that play equipment is designed for ages 18 months to 5 years or 5 to 12 years,
• Allow children to use only the equipment you feel is suitable for their age, size and skill level,
• Don't lift your child up or allow him or her to climb to areas from which he or she cannot descend.

4.COMMUNICATE any concerns or comments you may have about your local playground equipment to municipal or school offices.

5. TAKE YOUR KNOWLEDGE and concerns about playgrounds with you on vacation ...

• Ensure that playgrounds you let your children use have appropriate ground covers such as sand, gravel, wood chips or rubber. Grass and asphalt are not absorbent enough to reduce injury, especially head and spine injuries, when a child falls,
• Do a visual inspection of the equipment before your children play; ensure that all chains and ropes are secure and all components are securely attached to the units,
• Check slides, climbers and poles for nuts, bolts, nails or rusty areas which may scratch or injure your children;
• Never let your children play on old farm equipment, construction rubble or other debris which has been "converted' into playground equipment;
• Report any dangerous components to the management operating the site. There are both Canadian and American standards governing playground equipment;
• Supervise your children - particularly when equipment is unfamiliar and new.

• Avoid midday sun (10am to 3pm).
• Wear clothing that is tightly woven to block sunlight.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat that will shade your face, neck and ears.
• Apply appropriate SPF sunscreen to all sun-exposed skin.

Remember that:

• Concrete reflects sunlight, increasing the intensity of light on your skin.
• Light cloud does not necessarily block ultraviolet rays.
• Water reflects only a small amount of ultraviolet rays. The rest can penetrate below the water surface to reach your skin.

SLIP ON A SHIRT
SLAP ON A HAT
FLOP SLOP ON SOME SUNSCREEN
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN!

The Life Saving Society recommends several key safety tips that should be practised around water whether it be a pool, beach or lakefront.

• Delegate a supervisor. Do not assume that because there are a number of adults around the pool area that one of them will be watching the children.
• Children playing near the pool must be supervised as well. Do not leave children unattended near water; a child can easily fall into the pool and go unnoticed.
• Protect your neck. Diving into shallow water can shatter lives. Do not do it!

Water toys

• Floating toys and mattresses are fun for playing games or relaxing. Both adults and children can enjoy them. But accidents can happen when toys develop leaks or children lose their hold. Remember these are toys and not life preservers! Never leave a child unattended with an inflatable toy.

Chemicals

• Keep all chemical supplies and equipment locked up at all times. Treat your water with chemicals at a time when children are not around, such as early mornings, evenings or during naps.

Wading pools

• There are rules for small portable wading pools too! A person can drown in only a few inches of water. It's a good idea to limit the number of children using the pool at one time. Wading pools that are not in use should be emptied and flipped upside down as a precaution.

Swimmers and non-Swimmers

• Being an able swimmer is a good start but swimming ability alone is not enough. Even if you can swim, learn prevention and self-rescue techniques.

Boat safety

• Keep a safe distance from other watercraft and swimmers.
• Familiarize yourself with the basic rules for meeting and crossing other vessels.
• Travel from shore at slow, no-wake speed for the first 30 metres.
• Use caution while approaching and leaving a dock.
• Always approach objects from the side, not head-on.
• It is against the law to operate any watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• All watercraft operators and passengers should wear a personal floating device.
• All PFD's should be Canadian Standards approved and in good repair.