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How to Keep Your Swingset From Tipping Over

Girl in fairy princess costume sitting in swing
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Swing set manufacturers design their product with a child's safety in mind, but even the safest playground equipment still has the potential to injure a child. A swing set can tip over if you place it on a sloped surface or if a child abuses the equipment. To prevent injury, it is safest to anchor your swing set to the ground with concrete and then surround the play area with a shock-absorbing material.

Select a site for the swing set. Do not put the swing set on sloped or uneven ground. Do not place the swing set on a concrete patio or other very hard surface. Children who fall on a hard surface can sustain serious injury.

  • Swing set manufacturers design their product with a child's safety in mind, but even the safest playground equipment still has the potential to injure a child.
  • A swing set can tip over if you place it on a sloped surface or if a child abuses the equipment.

Dig four holes, one for each swing set leg, in the ground. Dig each hole at least 5 inches deep and 10 to 12 inches across.

Put a stone or brick at the bottom of each hole. This keeps the swing set legs from sinking deeper into the ground.

Set each swing set leg into the holes. Pour concrete into each hole to fill it completely. Let the concrete dry and cure. This usually takes between five and seven days.

  • Dig four holes, one for each swing set leg, in the ground.

Spread shock-absorbing material, such as wood chips or sand, around the swing set in at least a 6-foot radius. Layer the material at least 6 inches deep. For increased safety, spread more material around the front and back of a swing to protect children who may fall or jump off.

Tip

Do not let young children use a swing set unsupervised. Teach all children about swing set safety before you let them use the equipment.

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