< Injury Prevention Programs

Recreational Safety

Recreational Safety Programs work to inform the public about ways to be safe while at play. Being outside and active is important for every child, but parents can use the following information to keep their child safe for every activity. Please choose from the categories below for safety information.

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a bump or a blow to the head. Even a mild blow to the head can be a serious matter. Signs of a concussion may not show up until days or weeks after the injury. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following signs of concussion in your child after a head injury:

  • Confusion
  • Appears dazed or stunned.
  • Loses consciousness
  • Headache or complains of “pressure” in head.
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problem
  • Drowsiness or inability to wake up

Dehydration happens when the amount of fluids that a person is drinking is less than the amount of fluids lost through sweating, urination, diarrhea, or vomiting. Dehydration is very common when exercising outside, and it can lead to more serious problems like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

CDC, 2024

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motorized vehicle with three or four low-pressure tires commonly used for farming, hunting and recreation. As the popularity of ATV's continue to increase, so will the number of unintentional injuries and deaths. Arkansas Children's Trauma Department reported over 300 ATV injuries seen in the Emergency Room between 2022- 2023. Arkansas Children's goal is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by ATV-related accidents through ATV safety and educational practices.

Always plan your T.R.I.P.S.S.

Training: Before driving your ATV, take an ATV Safety Institute ATV Rider Course. Contact your local University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Coordinator

Ride Off-road: Always ride on unpaved trails. The tires on ATVs are not made for paved or loose gravel roads. If you drive these roads, you could lose control of the ATV and flip over and crash.

Impairment Danger: Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving an ATV takes all of your focus.

Plan Ahead: Plan your trip before you ride, look for hazards and let someone know where you are going.

Single Rider: Most ATVs are made for one rider only.

Safety Equipment: Ride your ATV only when wearing a helmet, boots, long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves.

Parents should talk to their children about the importance of safely watching for vehicles and crossing the street when walking or riding outside. Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or tricycle can lower the risk of injury. Make sure your child wears a helmet on every ride.

Expert Advice: How to Choose the Right Helmet for Your Child

When it comes to picking out a helmet, it is important to find the right one for our child. Follow these guidelines to help ensure maximum safety.

Learn more about choosing the right helmet

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4 in Arkansas. For children 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of death following motor vehicle accidents. Utilizing the 5 Layers of Protection can help parents, guardians, and families decrease the chance of drowning during recreational swimming, boating, and water play.

The 5 Layers of Protection

  • Supervision: Identify a designed “Water Watcher” during swim times. If in a group, take turns watching the swimmers.
  • Wear A Life Jacket: Life jackets are recommended for inexperienced swimmers and all persons boating on open water.
  • Barriers and Alarms: Four-sided fencing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarms.
  • Water Competency: Take and complete swimming lessons
  • Emergency Preparation: Learn CPR
CDC, 2024 & NDPA, 2023

Playgrounds are great places for children to test and grow their physical abilities. But whether they're playing on a backyard swing set or at a public park, every playground has some dangers. Falls account for 70% of injuries on the playground. Arkansas Children's strives to ensure children play S.A.F.E. while decreasing falls and other playground injuries. The National Program for Playground Safety implemented the S.A.F.E. playground injury prevention framework. This framework consists of four elements that lay the foundation for safe play areas and are by organizations nationwide. 

S.A.F.E. Playgrounds

Supervision: Parents or staff should position themselves where they can observe all children.

Appropriate Environments:  Children should play on equipment appropriate for their size, strength, and decision-making abilities.

Fall Surfacing: Appropriate Materials include sand, pea gravel, rubber tile, or rubber mulch.

Equipment Maintenance: A good maintenance plan is consistent and proactive by addressing equipment needs before an accident occurs

(NPPS, 2024)

Contact an Injury Prevention Expert

Contact an injury prevention expert at 501-364-3400 or email us at injuryprevention@archildrens.org.