Backyard Slip and Slide Accidents Safety Tips for Indianapolis Homeowners

As summer begins to heat up and kids are out of school for the summer break, many parents will set up backyard slip and slide areas for their children. However, this fun way of cooling off can also create hazardous and dangerous conditions for children and adults.

Safety tips for backyard slip and slides include:

• Always supervise children using slip and slides. It may be tempting to let children use slip and slides with little to no adult supervision because the water is only a few inches deep and should not pose a drowning risk. However, the water that gathers at the end of the slide can pose a drowning risk. Furthermore, children who are left unsupervised may take risks that could result in traumatic injuries and other slip and slide accidents.
• Limit the use of the slip and slide to children who are within the age and weight limits for the product. Like all products, slip and slides purchased at the store typically have age and weight limits. Use of the slide by teens and adults could result in injuries.
• Remove hazards from the area when setting up the slip and slide. Rocks, branches, and other sharp items should be removed from the area under and around the slide. Also, make sure to remove all tripping hazards from around the slide, especially from the area at the front of the slide and the end of the slide where children are entering and exiting the slide.
• Always empty and store the slide when not in use to prevent slip and slide accidents. A slip and slide is tempting for small children, even when the water is not on. A slide left unattended can be a tripping hazard for adults or children on the property.
• Children should not wrestle, chase, run, or tumble on the slide. Also, make sure that children understand that there is no rough play or roughhousing on the slip and slide.
• Always remove eyeglasses, shoes, and jewelry before using a water slide.
• Slip and slides should not be used during inclement weather. Stop using the slide and secure the slide if the weather turns poor.
• Sliding headfirst can be very dangerous. It is best to slide down a small incline in a seated position whenever possible. If sliding on your stomach, it is best to slide without running and always make sure the end of the slide is open and not near any other objects that could result in slip and slide accidents.

 Slip and Slides Can Result in Severe Injuries

Broken bones, neck injuries and paralysis, permanent spinal cord injury, and brain injuries are common slip and slide injuries. Parents must be very cautious when allowing their children to use slip and slides. If a homeowner is not careful, the homeowner could be held liable for damages resulting from a slip and slide injury. Inflatable slides also pose dangers for children and adults. Operators and property owners may be held liable for damages if they are negligent or reckless in the operation of these items.

Contact Our Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys if You Have Questions

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. However, if you or your child is injured in a summer accident, contact our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal rights regarding an injury claim.

Schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney in your area by calling Poynter & Bucheri at 1-800-265-9881 or (317) 780-8000.