Giant Tunnel Slide Safety: What Supervisors Need to Know

Safe use of giant tunnel slides

Slides are one of the most popular elements in any playground. They are fun, active and exciting, and they help children build confidence through movement and challenge.

A giant tunnel slide is a tunnel slide with a sliding length greater than 7.5 metres. Because these slides are longer and faster than smaller slides, they have a higher risk of injury and should be used correctly.

This page provides important safety information for parents, carers, teachers and other supervisors.

This information applies to giant tunnel slides

Some playgrounds include both a giant tunnel slide and a smaller tunnel slide.

Smaller tunnel slides do not create the same level of speed and risk as giant tunnel slides. They also do not require the same level of user awareness or ability filtering.

The information on this page applies specifically to giant tunnel slides.

Read the signs before use

Every adventure+ playground with a giant tunnel slide includes safety signage.

The information panel is located at ground level near the main access to the giant tunnel slide. It includes the QR code for this page, the recommended user height, no tandem riding, and a warning not to assist users over the ability filter.

There is also signage at the slide entry. This reminds users to ride one at a time, slide feet first, keep moving through the slide, move away from the exit, and not climb up the slide.

Supervisors should take a moment to read the signs and help children understand the instructions before they use the slide.

Who the slide is designed for

Giant tunnel slides are designed for users who can manage the slide independently.

As a guide, users should be able to:

• reach the slide entry through the intended access route without being lifted or assisted
• sit and slide feet first
• follow simple instructions
• wait their turn
• move away from the exit after sliding
• control their speed in the slide without panicking

The recommended user height is greater than 1.2 metres. This helps supervisors decide whether the slide is suitable for a child.

Height is only one guide. A child’s confidence, coordination and ability to follow instructions should also be considered.

Do not assist children past the ability filter

The ability filter is part of the safety system for the giant tunnel slide.

It helps prevent children from reaching the slide if they are unlikely to have the size, strength, coordination or confidence to use it safely.

Supervisors should not lift, carry or assist children over, around or through the ability filter. If a child cannot reach the slide entry through the intended access route, they should use another part of the playground instead.

One person at a time

Children should slide independently, one at a time.

This means children should not slide together, and children should not ride on an adult’s lap.

Adult-lap riding is one of the more serious risks associated with tunnel slides. If a child’s foot or leg catches on the side or surface of the slide, the extra weight and momentum of the adult behind them can cause serious injury, including broken bones.

Children sliding by themselves are generally less likely to suffer this type of injury because there is not the same adult body weight pushing behind them.

How to use the slide safely

Before children use the giant tunnel slide, supervisors should remind them to:

• slide feet first only
• ride one at a time
• keep moving through the slide
• move away from the exit straight away
• avoid climbing up the inside of the slide
• avoid climbing on the outside of the slide

The outside of the slide is not designed for climbing and could expose users to a fall or other injury.

Supervisor checklist

Before a child uses the giant tunnel slide, check that they can:

• reach the slide entry without being lifted or assisted
• use the slide independently
• follow the entry instructions
• wait until the previous user has cleared the slide and exit area

Supervisors should also discourage children from riding together, stopping inside the slide, climbing on the slide, or playing in the exit area.

Safe play still includes challenge

Good playground design gives children opportunities to explore, move, climb, slide and challenge themselves. Some risk in play is normal and helps children build confidence and new skills.

The aim is not to remove challenge. The aim is to make sure children use the equipment in the way it was designed to be used.

When the signs are followed and children are supervised appropriately, giant tunnel slides can provide a fun and memorable play experience.

Need more information?

If the slide appears damaged, unsafe, vandalised or in need of maintenance, please report it to the playground owner, school, council or facility operator.

For general information about playground design, compliance and safe play environments, contact the adventure+ team.