Volume 1 Number 32

or

2. SEW a seam through the Drawstrings at the middle of the hood and neck , so neither can pull out and catch on an object

and CUT all string ends as short as needed to close the garment.

Strangulation is the most common cause of playground death. It is responsible for 16 deaths in Canada since 1982. Strangulations is due to clothing, drawstrings or skipping ropes getting caught on playground equipment and on fences in the play area.

INJURIES: A pre-school child was strangled on a skipping rope stretched across a slide another child was saved from strangulation when a toggle on a drawstring caught on the railing of a slide, pulling the coat tightly around the child's neck. Playmates and supervisors were able to rescue this child a avert another tragedy.

CONCLUSION: Always take off, tie up or tuck in cords and drawstrings on clothing. Always remove ropes and skipping ropes tied to slides and other playground equipment. Equipment should be checked for hazards such as ropes before allowing children to play on it. Newsletters to parents might include cautions about buying clothing with drawstrings or toggles - or if purchased, remove drawstrings.