Sledding

Somewhere in the vicinity of your cottage is the perfect hill for tobogganing, and your children are going to find it, if they don't already know where it is. It is an inexpensive way to make the winter months enjoyable - as long as it's done safely.

Did you know that injuries from tobogganing are more severe than the majority of those incurred playing hockey? Not only that but the children being hurt are usually younger. Most people don't think of head injuries as being a potential outcome of tobogganing, and it is rare to see a child wearing headgear. It might amaze you to discover the speed a toboggan can reach.

The first thing you should do is check out the hill for yourself in broad daylight. Make sure it is not by a road, railway, or stream, and that the way is clear of trees, rocks, posts, or other obstructions. The area at the bottom should be large enough and flat enough to stop safely. Do not toboggan down an icy hill. The snow should be soft enough to cushion any falls. Snow banks may hide dangerous objects, so avoid them.

It should be bright enough to see the way clearly; if tobogganing at night make sure it is a clear moon or there are street lights in the vicinity. Tobogganing below 15C (including wind chill) is not recommended, as children may suffer frostbite.

Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult and they should wear helmets. Do not let them go head first down the hill. Leave enough time between tobogganers to avoid collisions. If they fall off the sled, give them a moment to get out of the way of other tobogganers. Make sure they keep their arms and legs inside the sled area as they go down the hill, and when they are walking back to the top, make sure they are well clear of the tobogganing path.

Clothing should be warm enough to prevent frostbite and any scarves or dangling items like drawstrings should be tucked safely inside, or better still removed so that they cannot get caught under the sled. A neck warmer or a balaclava is far preferable to a scarf. As with any winter sport layers are the best way to go. Not only will it be better for conserving body heat, but they act as padding. If their clothing gets wet, it is time to go inside.

As the adult, it is also your responsibility to check the sled over before declaring it toboggan-worthy. Sleds should be thick enough to resist piercing by stray branches, roots, or rocks, and have no sharp or jutting parts that can cause injuries. They should have handles to hang onto so that the rider will not fall off. Sleds are not designed for standing, and riders should either be seated or kneeling (seated is preferable).