Playground - Danger of Strangulation (Fact Sheet)

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2005
ISBN: 0-662-68789-2 (PDF Version)
Cat. No.: H46-2/05-238 (PDF Version)

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Each year in Canada, thousands of children get hurt at playgrounds playing on slides, monkey bars or swings. Some children have died when their clothing or drawstrings got caught on playground equipment or fences. Some children have died when they became entangled in ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment. Loose clothing, hoods, scarves, drawstrings, mitten cords, ropes and skipping ropes can strangle a child!

Safety Tips

• Remove cords and drawstrings from children's hoods, hats and jackets.
• Tuck in all clothing that can get caught on playground equipment.
• Wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf.
• Take off bicycle helmets before using playground equipment. Bicycle helmets can get trapped on equipment and strangle a child.
• Make sure children do not tie ropes or skipping ropes to slides and other playground equipment.
• Supervise children on the playground.
• Teach children how to use playground equipment and play safely.

If you want to know more about playground safety please call toll free:

Safe Kids Canada at 1-888-723-3847 or visit their web site at:
 www.safekidscanada.ca

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada.