It’s a rite of passage. The first snowfall and it’s time to get out the toboggan, sled, snow board, tube or snow racer. Anything that will allow you to slide down the hill with the greatest of speed and squeal with excitement.
It can be painful
Not every trip down the hill ends so well. Would you be surprised to know how many children are injured while tobogganing? On average, Canadian Hospitals report more than 500 toboggan injuries yearly. During a one-week period, a Montreal hospital emergency room saw 45 injured children do to sledding accidents. One of the doctors reports most injuries were caused by toboggans hitting objects, running into posts, benches and trees.
Because of those numbers, we’d like to offer you the top five safety tips to have an enjoyable time.
- Wear a helmet! While there are no laws mandating this, much like skiing 20 years ago, we may look back at those not wearing helmets and wonder why we were taking this risk. A ski or hockey helmet is ideal, but even a bicycle helmet could prevent some degree of injury.
- Sleds that can be steered are likely safer than lightweight plastic sheet sleds or other types.
- Avoid hills with trees, fences, poles or other obstacles and stay clear of hills that have city streets or bodies of water (frozen or otherwise) at the end.
- Avoid wearing scarves or loose clothing that can pose a safety risk if caught on obstacles.
- Ensure children are developmentally and physically ready for the type of sled they are using and teach children how to use their feet to brake if required
Important reminders
Check your municipality website for approved hills. Children under the age of six (6) years old should always be supervised by adults and not be left with older siblings when going to hit the hills. Indoor play should be undertaken if the temperature or the wind chill falls below -25 °C (-13 °F). At this temperature, exposed skin freezes in a few minutes.
It’s also important to note that children under the age of three (3) lose a lot of body heat through their heads. This is because their heads are so much like larger of a proportion to their overall body size. So, after tobogganing they need to get all those wet clothes and boots off to prevent frostbite.
Stay Safe! Stay Healthy. May all the squeals be from the excitement of conquering the hill!
Kathryn Davies
President Owner
