Winter Sports Safety
With snow comes outdoor fun like sledding, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. These are all great ways for kids (and adults) to increase fitness, balance, focus and self-confidence.
It’s important that kids have the freedom to be active but we also want them to be safe. So make sure they are wearing a cool helmet to prevent a head injury that can ruin the fun down the road. Helmets prevent or reduce the effects of 53 percent of the head injuries suffered by children while skiing or snowboarding.
Here are a few more things to think about before you and your kids head out into the snow.
Top Winter Safety Tips
- Always wear sport-specific, properly fitting safety gear when participating in winter sports.
- It’s worth repeating: Kids should always wear helmets when they ski, sled, snowboard and play ice hockey. There are different helmets for different activities.
- Parents should wear helmets too. Remember, your children learn and practice safety habits by watching you.
- Dress in layers and wear warm, close-fitting clothes. Make sure that long scarves are tucked in so they don’t get entangled in lifts, ski poles or other equipment.
- Stay hydrated. Drink fluids before, during and after winter play.
- Anyone who becomes distracted or irritable, or begins to hyperventilate, may be suffering from hypothermia or altitude sickness, or they may be too tired to participate safely in winter sports. They need to go indoors to warm up and rest.
- Children under 6 should not ride a snowmobile, and nobody under 16 should drive one. All snowmobile drivers and passengers should wear helmets designed for high-speed motor sports. A bike helmet isn’t sufficient for a vehicle that can go up to 90 miles per hour.
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Sports Safety Throughout the Year
Sports Safety at Any Age
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