Got a pool, trampoline, swing set, or treehouse out back? If your yard is every kid’s dream, it can also become the neighborhood hangout. That means more fun—and more chances for someone to get hurt. Start with a fence that’s tough to climb, and then keep reading for a few smart, practical ways to make playtime safer.
POOLS
You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: pools can be a serious hazard without the right precautions. Install a pool fence with a locking gate so people who don’t live in your home can’t access the pool when you’re away. And when you are home, actively supervise what’s going on. Accidents happen fast, and quick help matters.
SWING SETS
Swing sets range from simple to full-on playgrounds. If you’re putting one in your yard, a little planning goes a long way:
- Choose a set that fits your kids’ ages, with a safe height and sturdy construction.
- Set it up on level ground for stability and add a soft landing surface around it.
- Give swings plenty of space and keep them clear of branches, fences and other toys.
TRAMPOLINES
Trampolines are a backyard favorite—and one of the riskiest. Fingers can get pinched, landings can go wrong, kids can collide and falls can happen in an instant. If you choose to have one, require adult supervision, discourage stunts and have kids take turns. Inspect the frame, springs, and mat regularly for wear and consider a safety net to help keep jumpers on the trampoline.
TREE HOUSES
Tree houses can be just as risky as trampolines, but you can make them safer. Start with the basics: the tree must be healthy and strong enough to support the structure, and you should check the house and attachment points regularly. Provide a safe way up and down, follow guardrail guidelines, and remember that the higher the treehouse, the more severe a fall can be. It’s also harder to secure at greater heights. Adult supervision is still the best safety feature you can add.
One more big safety win: put a protective surface under and around play areas. According to the National Safety Council1, nearly 80% of playground injuries come from falls to the ground. Properly maintained surfacing—like soft wood chips, mulch, sand or engineered wood fiber—can reduce the severity of injuries compared with grass or dirt, which hardens over time.
All these backyard toys can be a great addition to your yard, but they can also raise the odds of an accident. Protect yourself by telling your insurance company what you have and consider higher liability limits. If you don’t disclose items like a pool or trampoline, a future claim could be denied—and your policy could even be cancelled. An umbrella policy may also provide extra protection if someone is injured on your property.
1 – National Safety Council. Staying Safe on Playgrounds https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/playground-safety?srsltid=AfmBOopltgq3yjJDLwYPrpomtDJNrLAxVFRO5cOp_1gHzNin0LTstr02
The information in this article is informational only and not a statement of contract. All coverage options are subject to the provisions of the policy purchased and details of the policyholder’s situation.
