Winter Sports Safety Tips for Kids
I was reading TLC’s Facebook post today and wanted to “borrow” Kimberly’s post about Winter Sports safety. Although this winter has been a mild one for St. Louis, I still feel the chill. Everyone starts to get a but of cabin fever this time, so check these precautions and get out of the house this winter!
Top Winter Safety Tips
- Always wear sport-specific, properly fitting safety gear when participating in winter sports.
- 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 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.
- Kids — or caregivers — who become distracted or irritable, or begin 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 four-wheeled motorcycle that can go up to 90 miles per hour.
Have a great week!
Jessica