PTAC calls on Easter to pay attention to the safety of swings – Society, safety

One of the most popular and fun Easter traditions year after year is, of course, swinging, because it not only creates moments full of joy, but also promises to suffer less from the attacks of mosquitoes and other insects throughout the summer. But unfortunately, not always enough attention is paid to whether the Easter swing fulfills its function safely. So to make swinging at Easter a fun event that doesn’t cause injuries and unpleasant moments, the Consumer Rights Protection Center (PTAC) urges you to swing safely and follow some simple tips.

Safe swing

Note that the so-called traditional Easter swings are a high-risk object because they have a massive wooden seat that does not meet certain shock attenuation requirements, often fixed suspensions, and a high drop height. This means that accidentally being near them and being hit by them can cause significant, even fatal, injuries, especially to children. Therefore, PTAC invites you to choose safe swings in private or public playgrounds that use chains or ropes as suspensions and have a seat made of rubber or polymer material for Easter fun.

Safe swing areas

For swinging fun, choose swings, swing areas or playgrounds where the swing is far enough away from other equipment or objects and the swing area is clear of any obstructions so that children do not accidentally run or ride a bicycle into the direct impact area of ​​the swing and get injured. It is important that the swing is also provided with a sufficiently cushioning cover so that there is no hard ground, concrete slabs, asphalt or other hard material under it. Also, the swing should be placed at a safe distance from bodies of water, concrete curbs, picnic areas to prevent any possible trauma.

Babysitting

The pleasant spring weather after the long winter invites you to activities in the fresh air. Playgrounds, nature trails, and other outdoor entertainment and activity areas are visited by many families with children of various ages. Taking into account the peculiarities of children’s development, the rapid and unpredictable nature, it is very important to constantly watch and look after them. When in playgrounds or entertainment areas, children jump from one activity to another and can run into the swing area in an instant, so it is important that parents and other adults keep a close eye on children and do not let them get close to the swing while they are swinging, as this can cause serious injuries, especially if it is an iron or heavy wooden swing. It is also important to make sure that children do not swing too high, and to teach children not to jump out of the swing, and not to let go of their arms while swinging.

Taking into account the fact that swings are often located in public playgrounds, PTAC reminds that if a child suffers an injury in a publicly accessible playground and recreation area, the owner of the playground is responsible, so there are standards that regulate playground safety. Following them ensures that everything necessary is done to reduce the risk of injury.

Playgrounds that meet certain characteristics must be registered with the PTAC Database. Currently, 755 playgrounds are registered in the database of PTAC Public Playgrounds. The database contains information about public playgrounds and recreation grounds registered in Latvia, their legal owners and managers, and it is also possible to find out what playground equipment is available on the playground.

The Consumer Rights Protection Center wishes you a happy and safe Easter!

PTAC