Playground Swings & Safety

More than 200,000 playground-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Standards exist to reduce the risk of playground-related injury.

Supervision

• Correct use of a playground swing reduces the risk of fall-related injury. Adults should provide age-appropriate supervision and discourage improper use of swings including standing on the seat and jumping off while the swing is in motion. Full bucket-seat swings should only be used by children ages 4 years and younger.

Construction Standards

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends specific construction standards to improve swing safety. Hardware should require the use of tools to remove. "S" hook edges should be pinched closed to prevent clothing from being caught in them. Swings should be free of protruding objects. Lightweight swing seats reduce injury from accidental impact.

Equipment Position and Clearance

• Build swing sets away from other playground equipment to reduce injury to children passing by. Limit the number of swings attached to each structure to reduce the number of children in one area. Space swings 20-24 inches apart for side clearance. Position swings at a height sufficient for foot clearance while keeping the fall height as low as possible.