January 16th, 2017
Brrr! It's cold up north, but the children are all excited to go outside. They love the fantasy look of playground equipment blanketed with snow and ice. No matter how pretty that winter wonderland play structure looks, it is fraught with hazards that can cause injury. Winter playground safety tups are essential to help children stay safe while enjoying their time outdoors. Playground safety is always important throughout the year, but in the winter months, everyone must be extra vigilant so that children remain unharmed on and around the equipment.
Embrace Winter safely
Even areas with record breaking snowfalls enjoy sunny winter days that beckon children outside. When snow is sparkling and temperatures are tolerable, it's tempting to let kids run out and play. however, winter play requires a little more preparation. Check the weather reports daily, and if sunshine is in the forecast, inspect the playground and equipment thoroughly before the fun begins.
Winter Playground Safety Tip: Children often don't notice when they're cold or uncomfortable. Adults must act as their protectors, setting limits and watching for safety issues that aren't obvious at first glance.
Inspect the Playground for Winter Hazards
Before allowing children to play on the equipment, take time to carefully evaluate the area for potential winter dangers. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can impact both the structural integrity and safety of a playground.
1. Check for Tree Hazards
If there are trees on or near the playground, take a walk around and survey the area for loose or broken branches. Winter storms and heavy snow can weaken tree limbs, which may fall unexpectedly. If unsafe limbs are present and cannot be removed immediately, rope off that section of the playground or clearly mark it as off limits.
2. Examine the Surfacing
Inspect the safety surface around playground structures for frozen spots. Many surfaces, like rubber mulch or poured in place rubber, can lose their cushioning properties in extreme cold. A fall that would typically be absorbed by the surface may cause injury if the material has hardened due to freezing temperatures.
Winter Playground Safety Tip: If the ground cover is frozen solid or crusted with ice, the equipment is not safe to use.
3. Clear the Snow
Snow can conceal dangerous objects such as broken or damaged equipment. Before play begins:
- Remove snow from walkways and around all structures.
- Clear stairways, slides, ramps, hand grips, and tunnel entrances.
- Dry off surfaces to reduce slipping hazards.
If freezing rain or freezing temperatures have occurred and there is ice coating the structure, do not allow children to use it. Ice is difficult to remove completely and can make climbing or sliding very dangerous.
Material Matters: Equipment Type in Cold Weather
Wooden playground equipment is particularly vulnerable to winter damage. Moisture from snow and ice can seep into cracks, then freeze and expand, causing structural issues. Additionally, ice may form more quickly on wooden surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
Plastic and metal equipment are generally more durable in winter conditions, but all equipment types must be regularly checked for brittleness, cracks, or loosened components due to temperature fluctuations.
Find Alternative Winter Play Options
If the play structure is deemed unsafe, it doesn't mean outdoor time is cancelled! Instead, encourage snow play in open areas of the playground:
- Build snowmen and snow forts
- Have snowball target practice
- Create snowy obstacle courses
- Hold a snow sculpture contest
Keep the main structure off-limits until it has been thoroughly cleared and deemed safe again.
Dress for Success: Proper Winter Attire
Proper clothing is key to safe winter play. Children should wear layers and limit skin exposure to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Essentials include:
- Warm hats and gloves
- Insulated coats
- Waterproof boots
- Thermal underlayers
- Snow pants or ski pants
Shorten playtime based on temperature and wind chill. Watch closely for signs of early hypothermia:
- Shivering
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
If a child exhibits these symptoms, bring them indoors immediately. Later-stage hypothermia includes more serious symptoms like slowed breathing and dilated pupils which require emergency care.
Clothing Safety: Avoid Snag Hazards
Winter gear often comes with accessories that pose risks on playgrounds. Items such as:
- Scarves
- Drawstrings
- Zipper pulls
- Boot laces
- Loose jacket ties
Can easily get caught in small openings or moving parts of playground equipment, creating choking or entanglement hazards.
Winter playground safety tip: Tuck in all loose or dangling clothing items. Neck warmers are safer alternatives to scarves. Encourage children to wear that fits snugly and doesn't dangle.
Watch Out for Slide Speed
Did you know nylon pants can increase slide speed? Children wearing ski pants or snow pants made of slick materials may travel faster on slides, even those made of plastic. This can lead to hard landings, collisions, or sliding right off the end.
Solution:
- Assign a responsible adult or older child as a spotter at the base of the slide.
- Alternatively, restrict slide use entirely when children are wearing slick gear.
Adult Supervision is Critical
Slippery surfaces, cold hands, and bundled up children can lead to unexpected slips and missteps. Increased adult supervision is necessary during winter play:
- Stay alert
- Keep children within designated safe zones
- Be ready to intervene quickly
Even short play sessions can offer huge benefits when children are monitored closely.
Cover It Up: Shade Structures in Winter
Shade structures are often associated with summer, but they can offer value in the winter, too. Fabric shades help limit the amount of snow and ice that accumulates directly on playground equipment. However, we recommend "winterizing" the fabric:
- In regions with heavy snow, take the fabric down and store it securely.
- In areas with light snow fall, you may leave shade fabric in place to reduce snow buildup.
Always ensure that the frame and anchoring system of your shade structures are capable of withstanding winter weather conditions.
Final Thoughts: Keep Winter Play Fun and Safe
Spending time outdoors during winter offers numerous health benefits for children: fresh air, physical activity, and exposure to sunlight for Vitamin D production. But those benefits only come when precautions are taken.
By following these winter playground safety tips, you'll help ensure every child's experience is fun, memorable, and injury free, even when Jack Frost is nipping at their noses.
Want More Winter Playground Safety Tips?
Contact us at Noah's Park & Playgrounds! We design and supply high-quality equipment for schools, churches, parks, and communities across the US. Let us help you create a year round outdoor space that's fun and safe for all seasons!