Sledding is a fun winter activity. But it also can cause injuries and some of them can be serious. To help keep safe while sledding, follow these safety guidelines.

Staying Safe & Preventing Injuries

Do I Need Safe Gear to Go Sledding?

Before you go sledding, make sure you have the right gear. Confirm everyone who is sledding has: 

Safe Sled 

Pick a sled that has brakes and can be steered. 

Helmet 

A winter sports helmet is best, but a bike helmet is better than no helmet.

Warm Clothing

Wear a hat, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, and snow boots. Don't wear a scarf, though, as it can get caught in a sled.

How Do I Find a Safe Spot for Sledding?

Make sure to pick a safe place to sled. Find a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom so there is a place to glide to a stop. Avoid hills that end near a street or a parking lot.

Also, avoid hills that end near ponds, trees, fences, or other hazards, and double-check that the hill does not have bumps, rocks, poles, or trees in the sledding path.

It is best to sled during the day. For sledding at night, make sure the path is well lit.

Safety Tips

To stay safe while sledding:

• Designate a go-to adult. If someone gets injured, you'll want an adult on hand to administer first aid and, if needed, take the injured sledder to the emergency room.
• Young kids (5 and under) should sled with an adult, and kids under 12 should be watched at all times.
• Everyone should sit face-forward on their sleds with their feet downhill. Never go down the hill face-first because this can lead to a serious head injury. Never stand on a sled.
• Everyone shouldgo down the hillone at a time, with only one person per sled (except for adults with young kids).
• Don't build a jump on a sledding hill, and keep arms and legs within the sled at all times.

Anyone who is on a sled that won't stop should roll off it. Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders. Don't ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle (such as a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle).

Safety in Other Sports

Safety matters whether you're sledding or doing another athletic activity. To help prevent injuries in other sports, check out these articles:

• Swimming Safety Tips
• Soccer Safety Tips
• Running Safety Tips
• Volleyball Safety Tips
• Bike Safety Tips