WITH hundreds of schools closed across the region, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA has some top tips for children heading out into the snow with their sledges.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is a registered charity established more than 90 years ago that aims to campaign for change, influence opinion, contribute to debate, educate and inform - for the good of all.
RoSPA’s advice is:
Take time to consider your choice of sledging location – somewhere with deep snow and no obstructions such as trees, fences or rocks is the best.
Avoid sledging near roads, pavements or water (whether it is frozen or not)
Make sure you have plenty of room at the end of the run to slow down and stop
Walk up the slope first – it will help you spot hazards, realise how steep the slope really is, and check whether there is enough stopping distance at the bottom
Try not to travel head first
Consider other people who are using the slope
Only go sledging in the daylight
Wrap up warm, wear gloves and remember that skateboard, cycle and ski helmets and skateboard pads double up well for sledging
If you’re making your own sledge, think about the “what-ifs” if you were to crash – are there sharp edges which you could cut yourself on etc.?
Peter Cornall, RoSPA’s head of leisure safety, said: “Schools are closed across the country and going sledging is a fantastic way for children to get out and about to experience the wintry weather. We’re just reminding them of some simple tips which should help them have fun while also staying safe.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is a registered charity established more than 90 years ago that aims to campaign for change, influence opinion, contribute to debate, educate and inform - for the good of all.
By providing information, advice, resources and training, RoSPA is actively involved in the promotion of safety and the prevention of accidents in all areas of life - at work, in the home, on the roads, in schools, at leisure and on (or near) water.