Going down a playground slide can be a blast and a great source of fun for both kids and toddlers. However, slides also come with a significant injury risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tens of thousands of slide-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms every year.
Pediatric orthopedic specialists often warn that children riding down slides on a parent’s lap are at a surprisingly high risk of injuries, including catastrophic leg fractures. Children younger than six years are the most at risk for these serious injuries.
“Younger kids have a lot less motor control, balance, and coordination, and they’re still learning how to control their bodies and develop those protective reflexes,” says Sarah Jenkins, MD, a pediatric emergency physician and injury prevention specialist. “Then, if a child is riding on an adult’s lap and their shoe catches the edge of the slide, the adult’s momentum pushes them forward, making them much more likely to get hurt since their bones are still developing.”
Types of Injuries from Playground Slides
Slide injuries range from minor ones that can be treated at home to devastating, life-altering situations, which is why choosing to ride down carelessly can be so risky.
Common playground slide injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains and strains, particularly in the ankles, knees, and wrists
- Fractures, most commonly in the lower legs and shins
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Facial injuries, which can result in broken teeth or severe lacerations
“The worst-case scenario is a severe spiral fracture of the tibia due to a foot getting trapped,” Jenkins says. “The rotational force applied to the leg when a child’s rubber-soled shoe grips the slide while an adult’s weight continues forward is immense, so if the injury occurs, it can require surgery and months of difficult recovery.”
Common Causes of Playground Slide Injuries
Whether you’re visiting a neighborhood park or a school playground, if you do choose to allow your kids to slide, knowing how most injuries occur can help you implement safety measures to prevent kids from getting hurt.
Most playground slide injuries are caused by:
- Going down the slide on an adult’s lap
- Sliding down headfirst or on the stomach
- Collisions when multiple children try to slide at once
- Climbing up the slippery part of the slide
- Getting clothing or drawstrings caught on the equipment
If someone does get hurt on a slide, it’s important to remain calm and encourage others to clear the area so you can assess the injury. If a child has fallen off the top of the slide or landed hard on their leg, do not immediately move them to another location, as this can cause further damage. First, be sure to ask them where it hurts and if they can safely support their own weight. Extreme pain and an inability to bear weight can point to a severe fracture. In this case, you should keep them still and seek medical attention immediately.
For head injuries, broken bones, and severe sprains, seek medical care.
If your child experiences severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity after hitting their head on a playground slide, take them to the emergency room to get evaluated for a concussion.
Keeping Everyone Safe on Playground Slides
Modern playgrounds enforce their own safety guidelines and design standards. Community parks increasingly have softer landing surfaces at the base of slides and guardrails at the top. While this may help reduce fall-related injuries and keep kids from tumbling off the ladder, it does not eliminate the risk of injuries on the slide itself due to improper use, overcrowding, or unsafe sliding positions.
Some safety rules that can help prevent injury include:
- One child on the slide at a time
- Always slide down feet first and sit up
- Check the slide before using it to ensure there are no sharp edges or hot surfaces
- Always have active adult supervision
“Parental supervision is very important,” Jenkins says. “Educate your kid about the risks, then set clear rules and play within those boundaries. I know kids want to have fun, but close supervision and never sliding down with a child on your lap is really important to prevent injuries.”
