Winter Safety Tips for Sledding, Skating and Skiing

The snow has come, and families and friends are heading out to enjoy it. Hitting the slopes, climbing a hill to slide down, or lacing up your skates are lots of fun. But, these winter safety tips for sledding, skating and skiing will help prevent injury and lessen your chances of having to visit the emergency department.

Sledding Safety Tips

• Wear an approved helmet.
• Choose a hill away from roads, parking lots and ponds.
• Don’t slide near trees, rocks or other obstacles.
• Slide down the middle of the hill. Climb up the side. Avoid icy areas.
• When you get to the bottom, move out of the way quickly.
• Don’t slide headfirst. Don’t stand when sledding. Kneel or sit face forward when going down the hill.
• If you want to go sledding at night, be sure the area has plenty of lights.
• Wear warm and layered clothing.
• If you fall, move out of the way of other sledders.

Skiing and Snowboarding Safety Tips

• Take lessons to learn the basics.
• Make sure your equipment fits you correctly.
• Always wear a helmet designed for skiing or snowboarding.
• Wear warm and layered clothing.
• Go with an adult.
• Use trails that are easy for you. You can get hurt in an area that may be too hard for you.
• Don’t go fast. Take your time. Stay in control.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or aren’t visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Keep out of closed-off areas.

Skating Safety Tips

• Wear an approved helmet.
• When skating on a lake or river, make sure ice is smooth and at least 4 inches thick. Have an adult tell you if the ice is safe.
• Never skate near open water.
• Skate in the same direction and at the same speed as the crowd.
• Slower skaters should move to the side.
• When performing jumps, make sure people are out of the way.
• When playing hockey, wear a helmet. Replace helmets every five years.

The Injury Prevention Center leads efforts to reduce injuries in the community we serve, guided by the belief that everyone should have access to accurate and up-to-date information and resources to live a healthier, safer life. The team provides programs, including car seat safety checks, a gun buyback program, and more. For more information, email InjuryPrevention@umassmemorial.org.

Related:
Window Falls Can Be Prevented 
Things You Should Know About Fall Prevention