Safety Tips for Sledding and Tobogganing

• Ensure that the hill is free of hazards – trees, rocks, bumps, fences and bare spots. Do not sled on ice-covered areas.

• Ensure that the hill is situated away from roads, rivers or railroads and that there is plenty of room to stop at the bottom of the hill.

• Look for a hill which is not too steep (less than 30 degrees is recommended for children) and has a long, clear runoff area.

• Inspect the toboggan to ensure it is in good condition.

• Use only proper sliding equipment with good brakes and steering. Inner tubes and plastic discs are not recommended because they are difficult to control.

• Many tobogganing injuries are cold-related, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Heat loss is particularly significant in children under age three because their heads account for a larger proportion of their overall body size. Children should be dressed warmly in layers.

• After tobogganing children should get out of wet clothes and boots quickly to prevent frostbite.

• Young children should always be supervised by an adult. They should never toboggan alone.

• The safest position to be in while tobogganing is kneeling. Sliding on your stomach, headfirst, offers the least protection from a head injury. Laying flat on the back increases the risk of injuring the spine or spinal cord.

• Look out for the other guy – move quickly to the side and walk up and away from the sliding path after finishing a run.

• Children should not toboggan at night.

• Head injuries while sledding can be serious. A ski helmet is recommended, because they are designed for use in cold weather and for similar falls and speeds.

Information courtesy of SafeKidsCanada.ca