Safety warning issued to parents over kids using garden slides and trampolines during hot weather
With UK temperatures set to soar to 34 degrees and families ready to spend more time outside, an urgent safety warning has been issued to all parents.
And particularly if your little darlings are going to be having fun on a garden slide or a trampoline this weekend, you'll need to listen up.
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Experts at Outdoor Toys have shared a stern warning to parents - and it involves inspecting outdoor play equipment carefully as the heat rises.
According to the pros, prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and affect the safety of such garden equipment over time.
Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, highlighted the importance of regular slide safety checks, as he warned: 'Slides are a garden staple in warmer weather, but over time, repeated sun exposure can cause plastics, especially cheaper ones, to become brittle, chalky, or cracked.
'This not only affects how the slide looks, but can lead to sharp edges or structural weaknesses that put children at real risk of injury.'
Alex advised parents to inspect slides regularly, as he stressed: 'Before each use, run your hands along the sliding surface and sides.
'Check for any signs of fatigue, such as cracks, fading, warping, or signs that the plastic feels brittle.
'Make sure all bolts are tight and the equipment feels sturdy. If anything seems off, it's best to stop using it and contact the manufacturer.'
Check all outdoor equipment
But it's not just your slides that need to be checked - according to Alex, there's more items that also need to be given attention.
He advised: 'All outdoor equipment, including swings, climbing frames, monkey bars, and trampolines, should be regularly checked before allowing your children to play during hot weather.'
Alex shared a hot metal warning, as he explained: 'Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause burns when handled.
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'Before allowing your children to play on outdoor equipment, check the metal surface with the back of your hand to test the temperature.'
He also recognised: 'Burns from overheated metal equipment are common during the summer months. Metal handlebars, metal slides, and trampoline springs can maintain significant heat during hot temperatures and cause harm.'
Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause burns when handled
Alex Price
As well as this, Alex acknowledged that ' UV exposure doesn't affect all toys the same way' and stressed that cheap toys without UV-resistant are more likely to show signs of wear and tear.
'If your slide or swing set looks faded or chalky, it could be a sign the plastic is starting to break down, and may no longer be safe to use,' he recognised.
But even with UV-resistant plastic, proper storage matters.
How to keep your kids safe in warm weather
Hot weather is fabulous, a wonderful trip to the beach or enjoying time in the garden! However, when temperatures skyrocket it can become dangerous. Save The Children have compiled 10 heat safety tips for keeping children safe in a heatwave.
1. Light clothing, heavy suncream
Choose lightweight, light-coloured, and breathable fabrics (such as cotton), and use lots of suncream to protect you and your child from the heat and potential sunburn.
2. Drink lots of fluids
Remember to drink plenty of liquids, regardless of your activity level. Check your baby's nappy for concentrated (dark in color) urine, which can indicate dehydration.
3. Get lots of rest
Try and limit activities. Make sure that children get lots of rest when they are active. NHS advises to 'try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm'.
4. Keep children entertained
Children may become anxious or restless from being kept indoors. Plan for indoor activities and games.
5. Reassure children
Children may be stressed by the heat. Remember that children take their cues from their parents and caregivers, so try to keep calm and answer their questions openly and honestly. Also stick to regular bath and sleep times for your child.
6. House safety/cooling tips
During the day, keep rooms cool by closing blinds/curtains, especially in rooms facing the sun. Using a fan to circulate air in the room is beneficial.Review your child's school sun policy.
7. Never leave children unsupervised in parked cars
Even in less threatening temperatures, vehicles can rapidly heat up to dangerous temperatures. A child left inside a car is at risk of severe heat-related illness or death, even if the windows are cracked open.
8. Stay informed
Listen to local news and weather channels for health, safety and weather-related updates.
9. Know how to identify heat-related illnesses
Look for signs of heat-related illnesses/conditions such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and severe sunburn. If children show these symptoms, seek medical assistance. Refer to the NHS website for a complete list, and how to remedy them.
10. Read the NHS guidance for babies
The NHS advises giving your baby a cool bath before bedtime and keeping nightwear to a minimum. Your baby will sleep most comfortably at room temperature between 16C and 20C, a nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the baby's room.
'We always advise keeping outdoor toys in shaded areas or storing them indoors when not in use.
'If that's not possible, a cover or tarp works well to prevent UV damage and keep surfaces cool to the touch.
'A quick check and a bit of care can go a long way in preventing serious accidents, saving the cost of replacement and keeping outdoor fun safe all summer long,' added Alex.
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