1. Always supervise children when they play outside.  Stay within arms reach of babies and younger children. 
2. Grow your play structure as your child grows.  Younger children are often injured because they play and fall from structures which are meant for older children.  Therefore, go ahead a purchase a swing and ladder combo but consider adding the monkey bars later.
3. Ensure your home playground has at least 15 centimeters (6 inches) of shock absorbing surface.  Grass, concrete and dirt are hard surfaces to fall upon.  Mulch, sand, shredded rubber and wood chips are all good loose fill surfaces.  Don’t forget that you should extend the shock absorbing area beyond and behind the play apparatus for swinging and sliding.
4. Firmly anchor your play equipment into the ground.  It can prevent injuries.  Cover the anchors to prevent tripping.
5. Eliminate hazards like rocks and tree stumps from the play ground.
6. Check for protruding bolt ends and open “s” which can hurt children.

Playground structures used to be made out of chromium copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated wood.  It is wood which has been treated with chemicals to protect it from insects, outdoor exposure and fungus.  However, studies have found pressure treated wood pose a health risk; chemicals leaching into the soil around the playground and skin irritations and absorption of the chemicals through the skin.  As such, since 2003 in Canada, one cannot use CCA wood for recreational or residential applications.

Sandboxes

1. Cover sandboxes with a tight fitting lid, when not in use, to prevent animal entry.
2. House Rule: DO NOT THROW SAND.  Zero-tolerance!
3. Re-purpose used plastic containers as diggers for sand play. 
4. Ensure your play sand is silica free.  Some play sands are made of Crystalline Silica, the dust of which can be inhaled into children’s developing lungs.  Long-term exposure to silica is a known carcinogen. 

Kiddie Pools/Water Devices

1. Do not leave children unattended around water (children can drown in less time than it takes to answer the door or the phone).
2. Re-purpose plastic containers as cups for water play.
3. Water shoes can protect tender feet from injuries from rocks and sticks.  It also prevents slips and falls too.
4. Sunscreen washes off in water – be sure to re-apply!
5. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria and insects.  It is best to drain kiddie pools after each use and re-fill with clean water everyday.  Tip: fill your child’s small pool in the morning, go to play in the playground and return for a dip.  The sun and warm weather will have warmed your pool to a refreshing temperature.

Whatever choices you make, supervision and safety are of paramount importance. If  you want to start teaching your child how to swim, begin with the  professionals. It can save your child's life. Look for a certified professional who can offer swimming lessons in your area.

Time to get outside!