When winter brings us snow, most of the children are likely going to be at one place—the local sledding hill. At the same time, you do not want to see them at the doctor’s office or hospital due to a sledding injury. In recent research according to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics each year more than 20,000 kids end up in emergency rooms with sledding injuries.
If you are planning on taking the kids to the local hill, always have an eye on them. Stick around while they sled, make sure all sledders wear a helmet and share these important guidelines with them so they can enjoy tobogganing and sledding safely.
- • Check if all the equipment is in good condition, free of sharp edges and cracks
- Make sure that the children Sled on spacious, gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely stop
- Check slopes for bare spots, holes, and obstructions, such as fences, rocks, poles, or trees
- Do not allow children to sled on or around frozen lakes, streams, or ponds
- Riders should sit or lay on their back on top of the sled with feet pointing downhill; never sled headfirst
- Dress warmly, and wear thick gloves or mittens and heavy boots to protect against frostbite and injury
Keep your children safe on the local sledding slopes by following these tips:
Wear protective gear
Your children may protest, but they should always wear a helmet. Wearing layered clothing can help protect against cuts, bruises, and frostbite.
Choose the right sled
The best and safest sleds are those with runners and a steering mechanism. Inflatable tubes, snow discs, and random objects are not good choices because children can’t properly control them.
Select the best sledding spot
Avoid sledding in areas that end near a creek, pond, or road. Wide, clear spaces with a gradual incline work best. Be careful to avoid obstacles such as rocks, trees, poles, and benches.
Teach your children how to avoid collisions
Make sure children get off the sled and out of the way as soon as they get to the bottom of the hill. As they return up the hill, they should walk on the outer edges rather than directly through the sledding path. Educate your children on how to steer to avoid hitting anything that gets in their path. Also, teach your children how to safely roll off the sled if they lose control.
Watch out for dangerous conditions
It’s important that your children can see where they’re going. They should avoid sledding during a heavy snowstorm or at night in poorly lit areas. Avoid sledding on snowbanks as they can mask a tree stump, fence, or some other hidden danger that can cause injury.
Follow these steps to enjoy a safe and happy sledding session.
Sources:
nsc.org, Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
nsc.org, 6 Tips For Sledding Safety
palegaladvice.com, 15 Crucial Tips to Prevent a Sledding Accident
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