Make Sure Your Swing Set Is Safe With These 5 Simple Tips

Posted by Daisy Adhams on April 16th, 2019

No childhood is complete without swinging on a squeaky wing set under the afternoon sun in the local park or even in one’s own backyard. Swings can be both a medium of play and relaxation for children. They create a sensation of flying high up in the air, or even falling. Playing on a swing set also has a host of different health benefits, such as they help children develop their motor skills and learn sensory integration. However, if you are planning to install a mountaineer swing set, you must ensure that it is safe for your child to play on.

Here are some tips to help you with that:

1. Choose the right material

It is preferable to buy mountaineer cedar swing sets or the ones made of redwood, because they are do not rot and decay like other kinds of wood. The market also has swing sets that are made of treated wood but it is best to avoid them as they are not durable. 

2. Add protective surfacing and coating

To make a swing set safe, it is necessary to install protective surfacing, such as mulch made of rubber. You can also fill the area with sand. Stay away from grass. The protective surface should be at least six feet out from the swing set’s perimeter. The chains and ropes on the swing can sometimes lead to injuries, which is why they must be covered in a soft material to prevent cuts and bruises.

3. Install it in a safe place

The best place to install the set is in your backyard, in a place that is within your line of sight. However, if you have to put it up somewhere else, then try to keep it away from the road and also the driveway. Choose an area that does not have any tall standing structure nearby, such as a shed.

4. Adhere to regulations

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has set certain guidelines for playground equipment. You can visit the official website to learn about them. This way you can be sure that the swing set that you want to buy for your child adheres to the prescribed standards.

5. Inspect regularly

The key to keeping any equipment safe and in good condition is to inspect it regularly. Once or twice every month, you can check the swing set for signs of wear and tear. The bolts and screws must be tightened, if needed, and the metal parts that move must be oiled for smooth functioning. If you find any major problem, call a professional, preferably the person who installed the set.

With these tips, you can be assured that your kids are having fun while staying safe.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about swing set safety tips.