How Far Should Swings Be Set Apart?

Swingsets provide great ways for children to interact.

Distance is Important

Children should always be supervised when playing on a swingset.

Swings should be far enough apart to avoid collisions with other swings and structural supports. Swings that are too close together can also encounter entanglement hazards. According to BackyardCity.com, the S-hooks used on many swings "may act as hooks or catch-points, can catch children's clothing and cause strangulation incidents."

Falls Cause More Injuries

Swinging children should be properly secured.

While improperly positioned swings can endanger a child, falling down accounts for most playground-related injuries. Asphalt playgrounds, especially, can pose a danger to children, who might jump off of swings or have a tendency to trip. "Almost 60 percent of all playground injuries," states BackyardCity.com, "are caused by falls to the ground."

Bottom Line

Push a swing back and forth to avoid collisions with people or posts.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, swings should be spaced at least 24 inches apart and 30 inches from the support structure. In addition, parents should monitor children on swings to avoid open hooks or playground falls. And, as recommended by BackyardCity.com, "there should be no more than two swing seats suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure."

References

• Back Yard City: Swing Set Safety
• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Official Swing Set Dimensions