Backyard play safety

By Emergency Medical Services, AHS

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) would like to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that their backyard play areas are safe for children.

Although direct supervision is the best method to reduce the chance of injury, always ensure play equipment in your yard is in good repair and is suited to the ages and skill sets of the children using it.

Check the equipment often and replace or repair any worn or broken parts.

Water hazards

• Drowning contributes to unintentional injury-related death among young children.
• Children can drown in just a few centimeters of water if it covers their mouth and nose.
• Ensure all backyard swimming pools are fenced. The fence must be at least 1.8 meters high and have a self-latching, self-closing, lockable gate (as per Alberta Building Code).

Lawn and garden tools

• Keep young children away from outdoor power equipment.
• Serious burns may result from touching hot engine surfaces.
• Ensure that all sharp tools, fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous substances are stored in a secure, locked area. A simple latch may be sufficient.

Insect bites and stings

• Minimize the risk of attracting insects by not wearing strong perfumes and scented lotions.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing outdoors.
• Consider destroying or relocating hives and nests situated near your home.
• To avoid injury through inadvertently stepping on a stinging insect, always wear footwear outdoors.
• If your child has received an ‘EpiPen Junior’ prescription from your physician (for anaphylactic reactions), ensure they understand how and when to use it.
• If your child experiences a severe reaction to an insect sting, or other environmental cause, seek medical attention or call 9-1-1.

Learn more at albertahealthservices.ca.