When winter arrives, snow and ice provide many opportunities for recreational pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowshoeing and skating. Unfortunately, these enjoyable pastimes can lead to injuries for the adults and children who pursue them. Taking the following precautions will help you prevent many of the mishaps that can keep you sidelined.
Skiing and Snowboarding
- Get in shape Being physically fit before hitting the slopes will reduce your risk of pulling a muscle or tendon.
- Wear the right equipment Goggles, well-fitting boots and bindings are a must for any skier, whatever experience level. Correct equipment also includes properly insulated, waterproof clothing and a warm hat. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Take lessons If you are new to the sport, one or more lessons from a qualified instructor are essential. You will learn correct technique and how best to protect yourself from injury.
- Learn your limits Many accidents happen as a result of tiredness. Learn to recognize your limits and don’t try to keep up with more energetic friends. (Most snow sport injuries occur in the afternoons - between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - when fun seekers are tired and hungry.)
- Yield to others Before you start downhill or merge into a trail, glance uphill and yield to other skiers and boarders.
- Say no to alcohol If you consume alcohol prior to hitting the slopes, your risk of an accident significantly increases. Alcohol promotes the loss of fluids and also heat from the peripheral blood vessels. These two effects make you more prone to hypothermia and dehydration. Alcohol also impacts your ability to concentrate on the mechanics of your sport.
- Stay on track Wandering off marked trails is a surefire invitation to injury - no matter how experienced you are. If you are unsure whether or not a trail is considered safe, stay off it.
- Be aware of snow conditions Environmental conditions play a major role in snow-related injuries. (Powder snow is associated with the lowest incidence of injuries.) Visibility is also another important consideration. If you can’t see where you’re going, don’t go there!
Sledding and Tobogganing
- Check it out Always examine the sides of sleds/toboggans for sharp edges and protruding rivets. Check out the area in which you intend to sled for dangerous objects such as rocks and tree stumps.
- Know how to bail out Learn how to stop or bail off your sled or toboggan in the case of emergency, and teach your children how to as well.
- Insist on helmets Wearing a helmet may seem unnecessary to you, but it’s worth remembering that helmets save lives. This is particularly true for children, many of whom have been severely debilitated due to head injuries sustained while sledding.
- Never hook sleds on to motorized vehicles.
Skating
- Know your ice Skate only on ponds or lakes that have been approved for skating - no exceptions!
- Always supervise your children when skating outdoors.
- Never run out on to ice to save another person who has fallen through. You will likely become a second victim. Call for help instead, or throw a rope from the shore.