As warm weather returns and more time is spent outdoors, playground safety becomes a higher priority. With careful supervision and attentive caution for hazards, injuries can be minimized. The National Safety Council provides the following tips: 

• Surfaces around equipment have at least 12 inches of wood chips/mulch/sand/pea gravel or safety-tested rubber mats
• Protective surfacing under and around equipment extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions (at least 9 feet apart for structures more than 30 inches high)
• Areas in front and back of swing sets are at least twice the height of the suspending bar 
• Elevated surfaces have guardrails
• There are no protruding items or sharp edges on equipment
• Openings between bars are less than 3.5 inches or greater than 9 inches apart
• Children are not wearing anything that could get caught (e.g., drawstrings, necklaces) 
• Equipment surfaces are not too hot to the touch
• Only age-appropriate activities are allowed