Sledding Safety

Air Date: 3/10/2003

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Sledding is a popular and enjoyable winter recreational activity. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, more than 14,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms in 1999 for injuries related to sledding. Fortunately, most sledding injuries are preventable.

Sledding injuries occur as a result of ...

• colliding with another sled or obstacle
• losing control of equipment
• falling off the equipment while sliding.

• Sledding injuries can and do happen to people of all ages.
• The majority of sledding injuries occur to children between the ages of 5 and 14.
• Boys are injured more often than girls.

Sledding Safety Recommendations

1) Check Out The Hill:

• Choose hills with a gentle slope and a long run off area.
• Choose snowy hills and avoid icy surfaces.
• Be sure the hill is free of jumps, bumps, holes and obstacles such as trees, signs, fences and rocks.
• Stay away from roads, rivers, railways, parking lots, barbed wire fences or other hazards.
• Only sled in the daylight or on well lit hills.
• To reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, it is not recommended to sled in temperatures below minus 19 degrees Celsius. Take into consideration the wind chill factor when sledding.

• Go down the hill sitting up or kneeling down on the sled. Never slide down head first or standing up.
• Be sure your path is clear of obstacles and other people right down to the bottom of the hill.
• On the way down, keep your arms and legs within the sled.
• If you fall off the sled or stop unexpectedly, quickly move out of the way of other sledders.
• Walk back up the side of the hill, away from other sledders.
• Know your limits. Rest if you are tired. Go inside if you are cold.

• Dress properly with hats, mittens or gloves and warm, waterproof clothing including footwear.
• To prevent strangulation, it is recommended that:
• children wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf: and 
• children do not wear clothing with drawstrings as they may get caught under the sled.
• Wear an appropriate helmet (such as a bike or ski helmet) to reduce the risk of serious head injury.
• Choose sturdy sleds with secure handholds. Ensure that there are no jagged edges, splinters or protruding parts on your sledding equipment.
• Choose sledding equipment that you can steer and stop.
• Avoid sliding carpets, inner tubes, cardboard sliders, snow discs and other sledding equipment that is difficult to control.

• Ensure that children follow all safe sledding tips when they are choosing their hill, style and gear.
• Children under 12 should be actively supervised by a responsible adult.
• Children under 5 should have a responsible adult on the sled with them.
• Monitor children for wet clothes, chilling, frostbite and fatigue.

Additional Resources

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Children's Safety Network

National Safe Kids

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720