Snow Day: Sledding Safety Tips

Cabin fever is setting in for many Renton residents following a week of school, business and road closures. The condition are perfect for sledding, but please stay safe out there with these tips from kidshealth.org.

Gliding down a neighborhood hill may seem like a safe snow day activity, but sledders are actually more likely to get injured that skiers or snowboarders.

Choose the Right Hill

• Select a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom for you to glide to a stop.
• Avoid hillsides that end near streets, parking lots, ponds, trees, fences or other hazards.
• Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as jumps, bumps, rocks, or trees.
• Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy.
• Sled during the daytime, when visibility is better. If you go sledding at night, make sure the hillside is well lit and all potential hazards are visible.

Dress for Success

• Wear sensible winter clothing — hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, snow boots — that is waterproof and warm, and change into something dry if your clothes get wet.
• Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that can get caught in a sled and pose a risk of strangulation.
• Wear a helmet designed for winter sports. If you don't have a ski or winter sports helmet, a bike helmet will do the trick.

More Safety Tips To Consider:

You've got the right kind of sled and a helmet, you're dressed warmly, and you've picked out a perfect hill. You're ready to go. Follow these rules to keep yourself and other sledders safe:

• Designate a go-to adult. In the event someone gets injured, you'll want an adult on hand to administer first aid and, if necessary, take the injured sledder to the emergency room.
• Buy a sled with brakes and steering; avoid sleds that can't be steered such as saucers or plastic toboggans, and never use a sled substitute like an inner tube, lunch tray, or cardboard box.
• Always sit face-forward on your sled. Never sled down a hill backwards or while standing, and don't go down the hill face-first, as this greatly increases the risk of a head injury.
• Young kids (5 and under) should sled with an adult, and kids under 12 should be actively watched at all times.
• Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young children). Piling more than one person on a sled just means there are more things on the hill that you can collide with.
• Never build an artificial jump or obstacle on a sledding hill.
• Keep your arms and legs within the sled at all times, and if you fall off the sled, move out of the way. If you find yourself on a sled that won't stop, roll off it and get away from it.
• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
• Never ride a sled that is being pulled by a moving vehicle.
•  

*Editor's Note: Information from www.kidshealth.org.