The Association of Indoor Play warns parents to keep their children indoors during the heatwave that is hitting the United Kingdom and to choose indoor play as a safe alternative to keeping them outdoors as the Government issues a level three heat health alert
Many NHS trusts are warning to not allow children to stay in the sun for long periods. Resting in the shade and finding cool places is important.
Janice Dunphy, Chair of the Association of Indoor Play and owner of Web Adventure Park in York stated: “indoor playcentres offer a perfect solution for children to play in a cooler environment and many of our member centres have geared up offering fun activities and camps. Those with outdoor play areas have shaded spaces and plenty on offer to ensure children are hydrated, as well as first aid trained staff on duty to ensure children are playing safely at all times. Play professionals are trained to look out for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Children can become distressed quite quickly and unexpectedly from the heat. The Government guidance states that “children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat- related illness can range from mild heat stress to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body).”
The Association of Indoor Play has 270 Member centres across the UK offering parents optimal facilities for safe play. It’s members include Role Play Centres, traditional softplay centres and farm parks.
