How safe is your garden, really?

An ER24 paramedic explains how to prevent child injuries when they’re playing outdoors in the garden or yard.

You may think of your garden as a safe, happy place for your child to play, explore and use their imagination. But even in a neat, well-kept space, there are risks you might not notice. Hot hosepipes, poisonous plants and sharp garden tools can all cause harm. As ER24 paramedic Mariska Smit from West Metro explains, she has seen how quickly a fun moment in the garden can turn into a medical emergency.

Falls, cuts and burns are among the most common reasons children end up needing medical care after playing outside. “I’ve treated countless kids who’ve fallen off trampolines without safety nets, tripped over uneven ground, or cut themselves on garden tools and broken glass,” she says. 

Jungle gyms, swings and treehouses

Play equipment can be a lot of fun, but it comes with its own set of risks. Falls from jungle gyms, swings, slides, or treehouses are common, and loose boards, steps, or nails can cause cuts or puncture wounds. Even rope ladders or climbing frames need to be checked regularly. A missing bolt or frayed rope can turn a fun climb into a trip to the emergency centre.

Solution: Supervise play and ensure all equipment is secure. Trampolines should always have safety nets and padding, while uneven surfaces can be levelled or softened with grass or mats. Check for loose nails, screws, or steps regularly. Make sure treehouses or elevated platforms have secure railings and remove any broken toys or damaged equipment immediately. 

Tools and building materials

Gardens often double as storage for tools and building materials. Rakes, forks, spades, and materials like corrugated iron sheets and fibreglass baths can become hazards if left unattended. Kids can climb into old fridges and piles of wood, risking suffocation, punctures, or crush injuries.

Solution: After use, store tools upright or in a locked shed, out of reach of curious hands. Building materials like timber, bricks, or aluminium sheets should be stacked safely and secured. Always keep children away from construction or storage areas, and check for hidden hazards like broken glass, nails, or sharp edges.

Hidden toxins in the garden

Many plants commonly found in South African gardens, like oleander, lilies, angel’s trumpet and hydrangea, are poisonous if eaten. On top of that, garden chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides can also be dangerous.

Solution: Identify what plants you have in the garden and any products you’ve stored there. Then label them and keep them out of reach. If you can, replace poisonous plants with safer ones. Children sometimes think chemical bottles are drink bottles, so always store chemicals in their original containers. This helps prevent accidental swallowing and makes it easier for emergency teams to identify the substance if something happens. Store containers in a locked, cool, dry space, away from sunlight. If a spill occurs, clean it immediately and wash your child’s hands thoroughly.

Recognising and reacting to poisoning

Knowing the early warning signs and responding fast can make all the difference.

What to look for:

• Vomiting or drooling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Drowsiness, confusion or seizures
• Burns around the mouth
• Unusual smell on breath or chemical stains on clothes.

Solution: Act fast and stay calm.

1. Call ER24 on 084 124
2. Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed by a doctor.
3. Keep the container or label to show paramedics.
4. Rinse skin for 15 minutes if chemicals were touched.
5. Move the child to fresh air if they inhaled fumes.

“If the child is unconscious, keep them lying on their side to protect the airway,” Smit advises.

Burns from hosepipes and hot surfaces

That harmless-looking hosepipe baking in the sun can reach 60°C or higher, hot enough to scald a child’s skin. The same goes for metal toys, slides, or taps.

Solution: Test before they touch.
Run water through the hose before use and store hoses and metal items in shaded areas. Teach your child to feel surfaces with their hand before sitting or touching them, and choose lighter-coloured hoses, which don’t heat up as much.

Bites, stings and allergic reactions

Outdoor play often brings children into contact with bees, ants and mosquitoes. “Most insect bites are harmless,” says Smit, “but some can cause serious allergic reactions.”

Solution: Clean, cool and monitor.

• Wash the area with clean water and apply a cold compress
• Use an antihistamine cream for itching
• For bee stings, scrape out the stinger gently with a card or fingernail – don’t squeeze it
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• If your child struggles to breathe or their lips swell, call emergency services immediately and use an EpiPen if available.

Awareness prevents emergencies

“Most garden injuries are preventable,” says Smit. “A few safety checks and good habits make a huge difference.” Take a few minutes each week to walk through your garden and look for hazards like sharp objects, hot surfaces, or chemicals that aren’t safely stored. Most importantly, teach your children why safety matters. When kids understand the “why,” they naturally become more careful explorers. And remember, a safe garden doesn’t have to be boring.