In 2007, an estimated 7,400 kids were injured or killed while participating in winter sporting activities in the United States. Safe Kids of Otsego County offers a few simple precautions: children need to be dressed appropriately, take lessons, be actively supervised and stick to safe terrain. For many winter activities, protective headgear is recommended.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ski helmets could prevent or reduce the effects of 50 percent of the head injuries suffered by children younger than 15 while skiing or snowboarding. Children ages 14 and younger are at a higher risk of winter sports injuries.
"Kids should always wear helmets when they ski, sled, snowboard and play ice hockey," says Rich McCaffery, a community educator with Bassett Healthcare's Safe Kids Program. "There are different helmets for different activities. Use a helmet that meets federal safety standards and have an expert make sure it fits correctly so it won't come loose at a critical moment.
"Caregivers should wear helmets too "" remember, your children learn safety habits by watching you," McCaffery added.
Children can suffer serious head injuries from sledding. "Kids should wear a helmet while sledding," McCaffery said, citing a position statement by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Don't go down a hill headfirst "" sit up and face forward. Make sure there is adult supervision and a clear, safe path."
A good sledding hill does not lead to a street, a body of water or a crowded gathering place. In addition, remember to inspect sleds regularly for worn, damaged or loose parts that could break or snag at high speed.
"Children younger than 6 should not be riding a snowmobile and nobody under 16 should be driving one," says McCaffery. "All snowmobile drivers and passengers should be wearing helmets designed for high-speed motor sports "" a bike helmet isn't sufficient for a four-wheeled motorcycle that can go up to 90 miles per hour."
There is no consensus among experts about the need for helmets while ice skating, but parents should keep in mind that beginners are likely to fall down a lot. Helmets are a must for ice hockey, along with mouth guards, knee pads and elbow, shoulder and shin protection. McCaffery recommends skating only on ice that's approved by the local municipality.
"Teach kids how to protect themselves if they do fall through the ice: stretch their arms out wide and kick as if swimming, shout for help, and try to crawl backward onto solid ice," McCaffery said.
Basic health and comfort precautions can go a long way in preventing injury. Along with wearing a helmet, here are other useful tips for staying safe when doing outdoor activities this winter season:
Always wear sport-specific, properly fitting safety gear when participating in winter sports activities.
Proper equipment fit and maintenance are important for safety, so bring your child along when shopping for skates, helmets, boots, etc.
Dress in layers and wear warm, close-fitting clothes. Make sure that long scarves are tucked in so they don't get entangled in lifts, ski poles or other equipment.
Stay hydrated.
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Children or adults who become distracted or irritable, or begin to hyperventilate, may be suffering from hypothermia or altitude sickness, or they may be too tired to participate safely in winter sports. They need to go indoors, rest and warm up.
To receive a copy of the Safe Kids brochure "Winter Safety Tips," contact McCaffery at richard.mccaffery@bassett.org. or 547-5256. Safe Kids of Otsego County works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and younger. Safe Kids of Otsego County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids of Otsego County led by Bassett Healthcare.
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