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Parks & Recreation News

Thursday, February 7, 2008

SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTERTIME SLEDDING
LAWRENCE – 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.

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:
  • 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.
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 experience.

For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 832-3450.

Prepared by Roger Steinbrock, 785-832-3458



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