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National Playground Safety Guidelines

More than 200,000 children injure themselves while on playgrounds each year in the United States, according to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS). Following the S.A.F.E. checklist, developed by the NPPS, helps keep children safe on playgrounds.

  1. S.A.F.E. Checklist

    • S.A.F.E. stands for Supervision, Age-appropriate equipment, Falls and Equipment. Never let children play without adult supervision, and make sure children are playing on a playground designed for their age level. Surfaces should be cushioned to prevent injuries from falls. Mulch, sand or synthetic rubber is acceptable, while asphalt and concrete are too hard. Finally, make sure playground equipment is securely anchored to the ground and in good condition.

    Additional Safety Tips

    • Do not let children wear bicycle helmets while playing on a playground, according to the NPPA. Prevent burns by checking the surfaces of equipment before your child begins to play. Check for loose strings and ropes on children's clothing and on playground equipment. For example, loose necklaces and loose ropes can cause strangulation.

    Purpose

    • The S.A.F.E. checklist is designed for adults who are responsible for children, such as parents, caretakers, babysitters, teachers and park personnel.

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