Media Room

Public Service Announcement

Safe Communities Coalition Offers Tips on How to Keep Safe when Sledding and Tobogganing

(Thursday, February 26, 2004) - Sledding and tobogganing are fun winter pastimes, however, they can cause serious injuries that require medical attention. Colliding with objects such as trees, rocks, signs and other people are common causes of sledding and tobogganing related injuries. The Safe Communities Coalition wants you and your family to have a safe and fun winter season by being aware of the dangers associated with these activities and to exercise some common sense. The following are some tips on how to keep safe:

• Ensure children wear a helmet at all times
• Check the hill before you go down to ensure it is safe and free from trees, rocks, fences or other obstacles.
• Never Toboggan on, or onto a roadway or parking lot.
• Check that the toboggan or sled is in good condition and there are no sharp edges or broken parts.
• Don't Toboggan at night or dusk as visibility is reduced.
• Maintain control and look for a clear path before you go.
• If a slope is beyond your ability or conditions become unsafe don't go down the hill.
• Never toboggan near or onto a lake, river or other ice.
• Toboggan on snow - avoid icy hills that can cause excessive speed.
• Teach children to sit forward, not backwards, head first or lying down, to get out of the way at the bottom of the hill and to roll off the toboggan if heading for danger.
• Avoid scarves, loose clothing and tie up long hair that can get caught.
• Teach children to slide down the middle of the hill and climb up the sides.
• Obey age limits for snow racers.
• Children under 5 should not go down the hill alone - get a toboggan that is large enough for an adult to go down with the child.
• Choose a sled that is sturdy and easy to control.
• Have only the recommended number of passengers on a sled or toboggan at one time
• Try to maintain safe speeds that will allow you to have the control to stop if you need to.

HAVE FUN!!!

For further information contact:

Mike LeRue, Safe Communities
430-3820, or 490-6574