Stay Safe with Winter Sporting Sense

By: Diana Barnes-Brown for Body1

With all those snowmen in the meadow and the undeniable joy of riding in a one horse open sleigh, there are many motivations to participate in winter sporting and outdoor play activities. But athletics bring risks along with enjoyment; the icy and snowy conditions required for most winter sports can add extra risks to those already associated with such activities. Even so, don’t think that the risks are an excuse to become a couch potato: a little care and knowledge goes a long way in preventing the most common winter sporting injuries. Here are a few pointers for keeping safe while keeping moving.

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Quick Tips for Sporting Safety Know the safety requirements of your favorite winter sports. Follow safety instructions and wear all recommended protective equipment. Stick to an appropriate level of difficulty and maintain good physical strength and flexibility. Move at safe speeds, using well-lit paths. Never participate in sporting activities while intoxicated. Use common sense and precaution during snow play – throw snowballs, not ice balls, and don’t ever tunnel under the snow. Only venture onto frozen bodies of water that are known to be safe.

Read up on the safety requirements of whatever sports you are participating in. Comply with safety guidelines such as using helmets and bundling up in warm clothing. If you are a parent, don’t let headstrong kids or self-conscious teens talk you out of enforcing basic safety requirements for equipment and behavior.

Winter sports such as skiing, skating and others that count on the strength of the legs to help athletes twist and turn successfully are a common cause of twisted knees and ankles. Even if the temptation to show off a new move is strong, avoid participating in activities that are too advanced for your level of training, and discourage others from taking similar risks. Being in generally good physical condition can also contribute to increased strength and flexibility, which can help prevent dangerous falls and soft tissue injuries. Those unsure of their bodies’ capabilities should exercise caution.

High-speed impact is a risk when sledding, skiing and snowboarding, and can lead to brain damage, internal hemorrhage, and even death. Avoid daredevil activities, educate others about the risks of being reckless, and pay attention when moving quickly. Also, never practice winter sports in poor light or visibility – low fences, wires, and other hidden obstacles can cause serious accidents. And, while it might sound like a fun idea before you think it through, tipsy sledding, skiing or snow mobile use is unsafe in many of the same ways as drunk driving. Avoid it, period.

Snowball fights, snowmen, and snow forts can be great fun, but there are precautions to keep in mind: teach kids to throw only snowballs free of ice, gravel and other materials that could cause damage if they hit someone – don’t throw snow from the edge of the road or plough piles, for example. Also, make sure kids know never to tunnel under the snow, because structures could collapse, trapping those inside with little air to breathe.

Falls through ice are very dangerous, as are wintry waters. Even though the neighborhood pond might look completely safe, it’s crucial to demand reliable safety information before venturing onto any frozen body of water. Never go out unless you are completely sure that the ice is strong enough.

With a few simple safety precautions, the benefits of being active versus hibernating until spring far outweigh the risks. Just remember to stay educated, educate those around you, and exercise common sense if you’re not sure whether an activity is safe or not.

Last updated: 18-Jan-07