Sledding and Skating Safety Tips
With the arrival of yet another snowfall this winter season, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department reminds citizens to take safety precautions when taking to the hills to sled or to the ice to skate.
SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS
An area in Centennial Park, 600 Rockledge Rd., with lighted hills is suggested for sledding and can be used by the public weather permitting.
Many times sledding accidents occur when individuals do not keep safety as the first priority. This can be prevented by following a few safety precautions.
First, if a child is sledding, an adult should be there to supervise the activity. Adults may even want to be on the sled with young children to prevent accidents. According to a study done by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the U.S. Forest Service, adult involvement dramatically lowers the sledding injury rate.
Other tips include:
ICE SKATING SAFETY TIPS
Those wanting to ice skate can visit the ice skating area at the northwest corner of Buford M. Watson, Jr. Park, located at 6th and Kentucky Streets. Skating is free and open to the public.
Another skating venue is located at Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W. 27th St. The pond area at the arboretum is available for skating. Signage will provide information as to whether the ice is open or closed.
While ice skating, remember these safety tips:
Lawrence Parks and Recreation wants to ensure everyone’s safety when visiting city parks. By remembering essential safety precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your sledding and skating experience.
For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 832-3450.
SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS
An area in Centennial Park, 600 Rockledge Rd., with lighted hills is suggested for sledding and can be used by the public weather permitting.
Many times sledding accidents occur when individuals do not keep safety as the first priority. This can be prevented by following a few safety precautions.
First, if a child is sledding, an adult should be there to supervise the activity. Adults may even want to be on the sled with young children to prevent accidents. According to a study done by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the U.S. Forest Service, adult involvement dramatically lowers the sledding injury rate.
Other tips include:
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Dress properly. While everyone should wear one, it is especially important for children under 12 to wear a helmet. Everyone should also wear gloves and insulated boots.
- Use sleds with secure handholds; make sure there aren’t sharp edges or splinters. Inspect your sled prior to sledding to make sure it is in good condition and not broken. Don’t use carpets or cardboard as sleds. They are dangerous and hard to control. Sled in daylight hours in well lit areas.
- Never sled in unsafe areas like streets, driveways, rocky hills or near a cliff. Never ride on a sled that is being pulled by a car, truck or ATV.
- Make sure your sledding hill doesn’t have trees, signs, fences, rocks or other objects that can cause injuries. Never ride into a snow bank – the snow may hide a tree stump or rocks.
- Slide in a sitting or kneeling position; always feet first, never head first.
- Make sure the way is clear before you start; make sure any other sledders are out of the way before you begin.
- While sledding, tuck in the loose ends – arms, legs, scarves, cords, etc.
- If you fall off your sled, move out of the way quickly to avoid a collision with other sledders.
- Climb the hill away from others sledding down the hill. Know how to stop your sled or make a sharp turn by dragging your feet.
- If your sled won’t stop or if you are out of control, roll off your sled and onto the ground. Don’t worry about your sled after you roll off. You can get it back after it stops sliding.
ICE SKATING SAFETY TIPS
Those wanting to ice skate can visit the ice skating area at the northwest corner of Buford M. Watson, Jr. Park, located at 6th and Kentucky Streets. Skating is free and open to the public.
Another skating venue is located at Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W. 27th St. The pond area at the arboretum is available for skating. Signage will provide information as to whether the ice is open or closed.
While ice skating, remember these safety tips:
- Make sure skates fit comfortably and provide ankle support.
- Dress in layers to avoid frost bite and wind burn. This includes wearing hats, scarves (tucked in), gloves and long underwear.
- Only skate in designated areas where ice is known to be strong.
- Always check for cracks, holes and debris on the ice.
- Avoid skating on ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks and debris, weaken and open ice.
- Never skate alone in case someone falls through the ice. Also, make sure to carry a cell phone so you can call for help in case an accident does occur.
- Do not skate after dark.
Lawrence Parks and Recreation wants to ensure everyone’s safety when visiting city parks. By remembering essential safety precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your sledding and skating experience.
For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 832-3450.
