How to avoid injuries while sledding

From choosing the right hill to getting the right kind of sled, you should consider a few things before going sledding to avoid getting hurt.

Though it may seem like harmless fun, sledding injuries send tens of thousands of people to hospital ERs each year. More than half of all sledding injuries are head injuries, which can be very serious and even deadly.

Sledders are actually more likely to be injured in collisions than skiers or snowboarders.

Choose the right hill

When hills get coated with snow, they may all look like great locations for sledding. But not all hills are safe. Choose yours carefully. Follow these guidelines:

• Select a hill that isn’t too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom for you to glide to a stop.
• Avoid hillsides that end near a street or parking lot.
• Avoid hillsides that end near ponds, trees, fences or other hazards.
• Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as jumps, bumps, rocks or trees before you begin sledding.
• Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy. If you fall off your sled, icy slopes make for hard landings.
• Try to 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.

The MetroParks have lots of great sledding hills. Check out the list for Summit County and Cleveland MetroParks.

Dress for success

Frostbite and even hypothermia are potential dangers of sledding. So is hitting your head. Be sure to wear the proper clothing to stay warm and safe.

• Wear sensible winter clothing that’s waterproof and warm. Change into something dry if your clothes get wet.
• Avoid wearing scarves or 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, at least wear the helmet you use for biking or skateboarding. To purchase a low-cost helmet, contact SafeKids Summit County at 330-543-8990.

Get the right kind of sled

The best sleds can be steered by their riders and have brakes to slow them down. 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.

Good sleds are relatively cheap to buy and are well worth the extra money.

Follow these simple safety rules

Now that you’ve got the right kind of sled and 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 ER.
• 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 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’s being pulled by a moving vehicle.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be injured while sledding, the possibility exists. Just take a little extra time to dress properly and make sure you’re following these safety guidelines, and you’ll have a better time knowing you have less to worry about.

© 2012.  Article adapted from The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Used under license.