How do you swing safely? 7 Safety tips for heavy use

A swing is perhaps the most fun toy children and adults can have. Here are 7 safety tips on how you can swing safely!

Chances are that as a child, you spent several hours a week playing on the swing in the garden.

But when you want to install a swing for your children or yourself, of course, you want it to be safe.

Therefore, in this article, you will get several tips and tricks on how to install a swing safely.

Mainly if the swing will be used intensely, you definitely want to avoid and prevent injuries from falls.

Tip 1: Always keep a close eye on children

Always remain present yourself when small children are playing around a swing.

Small children simply do not understand that a swing also comes back.

As a result, they may cross a swing’s path and be hit by other children who are playing.

Are the children a little older, or are even adults using the swings?

Then make arrangements where they can and cannot walk to avoid being hit. In other words, indicate the danger zone.

You could even draw or apply a line and agree that people are not allowed to cross the line at the time of swinging.

This is to avoid, for example, being unsuspectingly knocked over by a swinging adult with some excess weight.

Tip 2: Create a safe zone around the swing

Remember that a swing should be in a relatively safe zone.

This means that you should have enough space left both in front of and behind the swing.

Not only to be able to swing securely but also to jump off the swing if desired.

How much space you need depends on the size of the swing.

As a rule of thumb, you could assume that you need about 4.5 meters of clearance at the front and back of the swing.

So make sure there are no plants, walls, hedges, branches, flower pots, or footpaths within this area.

You don’t want someone to walk into the swing zone just when someone is using the swing.

This can cause severe accidents, so it is absolutely crucial to keep the swing zone clear.

Tip 3: Purchase a quality labeled swing

Swings are tested for various safety aspects.

There are obviously less stringent requirements for a garden swing for recreational use than for a swing for intensive use in a public playground.

A swing in your own garden must comply with local regulations and standards.

These rules have been established specifically to test swings, slides, and other playground equipment around the house for safety for children under 14.

Note: Are you looking for a sturdy swing that can support the weight of an obese adult?

Then you should definitely go for special swing sets designed to support and carry extra weight and forces.

Tip 4: Rubber mats as shock absorbers

You could possibly make use of rubber mats.

There are so-called ring mats that are made of rubber and have an open mesh structure.

The purpose of these mats is to break any fall as a shock absorber and protect your lawn simultaneously (speaking of the lawn, you should also devote a little time to finding a solid and strong lawn chair to rest in after swinging).

We all remember images from our childhood of a widely used swing under which there was not a blade of grass.

The lawn has to endure a lot, especially right under the swing.

With many swings, you will see a large bald spot in the grass directly under the swing.

These mats prevent that, which is interesting for people who focus on aesthetics and a neat garden.

Tip: If you want to go for a little more protection, you can also opt for rubber tiles around your swing.

This is especially recommended if you don’t have grass or anything like that.

Rubber tiles are generally more expensive than the classic rubber mats, but skimping on safety is not a good idea.

Tip 5: Anchor the swing

Depending on the people who swing (children, young adults, or adults), the swing will need to absorb less or more force and weight.

The older the user of the swing, the more likely they wish to swing harder as well.

Until they reach a point where they are swinging so hard that the swing can literally come loose from the ground.

Therefore, it is recommended that you firmly anchor the swing so that it is literally nailed to the ground.

You can do this yourself quite easily by using a ground anchor.

You drill the ground anchor into the ground at a certain angle and then attach it to the swing’s legs.

This way, the swing is firmly nailed to the ground and will not come loose quickly.

By the way, it is recommended to attach the ground anchors to the outside of the posts.

This prevents people swinging from falling on the ground anchor or getting caught behind it while swinging.

When installing a swing in the backyard to make it more relaxing, make sure you anchor everything to the ground properly.

The last thing you want is for the swing to fall over when it is swinging too high or for the swing frame to simply collapse because the person swinging weighs quite a bit.

Tip: If you are installing the swing yourself, make sure you follow the instructions in the assembly plan on how to anchor it safely.

Usually, the swing mounting hardware is included if you choose a self-build kit.

Tip 6: Install the swing on a soft surface

Try to install the swing on a soft surface. So most people place a swing on the grass, which is usually nice and soft.

But of course, there are other options in terms of the surface under a swing.

Sand, gravel, or tree bark are also exciting options in terms of surface for a swing.

These types of surfaces break the fall at the time the user jumps or falls off the swing.

Tip: It is not a good idea to place a swing on terrace tiles, concrete, or other hard surfaces.

When a swing user falls over on such a surface, it can cause really nasty injuries.

Not only does it hit hard (bruises or fractures), but such a surface also chafes enormously, resulting in severe abrasions.

Most accidents around swings happen by falling. By providing a soft surface, a fall need not result in injuries, fractures, or tears.

Caution: Although many people place their metal or wood swings on grass, the ground can quickly become hard.

This is especially the case with drought and heavy use.

Watering the ground from time to time can help.

But ultimately, there are better and safer alternatives available for the ground, such as rubber tiles.

Tip 7: Installing and building the swing yourself: Assessing forces

In addition to buying a suitable swing, it is also possible for the handyman to opt for a self-assembly kit and thus build the swing himself.

Do not underestimate the forces that are released during a swing!

It may sound logical and not that complicated (and it doesn’t have to be), but swinging can release enormous forces.

Are you going to install a swing yourself?

Then be sure to use the included assembly plan and construction drawing.

Is a swing set a good investment? Yes, if you pay attention to the materials used! The swing will be outside in all weathers for years.

So make sure you use fittings that do not rust easily and rope that does not suffer too much from the weather.

How do you swing safely: A side note

Unnecessary brooding is not good for mental peace and health.

In other words, you must also be able to let go of the subject of safety.

• Do you have a sturdy swing with enough room?
• Are the swing legs anchored to the ground?
• Have you provided a soft surface?
• And have you selected the right swing set to fit the type of user (baby, child, adult, overweight adult)?

If so, you’ve done everything you can to make swinging as safe as possible.

One hundred percent safety cannot be guaranteed or achieved by anyone. If you try to achieve it anyway, you will quickly take the fun out of it.

Taking a small tumble off the swing is part of growing up and learning to be careful.

And adult users also quickly learn what their limits are…

Not convinced yet? Then read a few reasons why buying a swing set is an excellent idea (also for plus-size adults).