Enjoy Winter Sports Safely!    [28-01-2011]
Untitled Document
Even though it¡¯s very cold outside, don¡¯t just spend all your time inside playing video games. Be active and enjoy fun winter sports for your health! Skiing, skating, snowboarding, and sledding are the most popular winter sports. They are a lot of fun. Enjoying these sports is a great way to stay active during the winter. However, if you are not careful, you may get hurt. Let¡¯s learn some safety tips to enjoy them safely!

<Skating Safety>
The most important thing to remember is to skate only on safe ice rinks. Never skate on frozen ponds or lakes. The ice may not be strong enough to hold your weight. If the ice breaks, you may fall into the freezing water. Also, never skate alone. Once you find a safe skating spot, the next thing is to wear skates that fit you. You could hurt your ankles if you wear skates that are too small or too big. While enjoying skating, skate in the same direction as the other people. If you go in the opposite direction, you may bump against someone and get hurt. Another important thing is to remember to take any gum or candy out of your mouth before going onto the ice. You may choke on it or cause someone to trip over if it falls out of your mouth and sticks onto the ice.

< Skiing and Snowboarding Safety>
Before you hit the slopes to ski or snowboard, make sure to wear well-fitting clothing and to use the proper equipment. Wearing clothing and boots that are too big can make you easily lose your balance. Wearing a helmet is also very important when skiing or snowboarding in order to protect your head. You should also wear goggles to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight. Snowboarders need to wear kneepads and elbow pads, too. Then, choose the right slope for your level. If you are a beginner, start with the easier slopes and move on to harder ones later. Also, always watch out for others to avoid collisions.

< Sledding Safety>
Sledding is a lot of fun. You don¡¯t really need to know any special techniques in order to enjoy sledding. However, it can be dangerous if you are not careful. You may even break your arms or legs! Before getting on a sled, check to see if it has any sharp edges or broken parts. To prevent possible accidents never use unsafe sleds. Picking a safe sledding spot is also very important. Ask your mom or dad if the place you picked is safe for sledding. Do not choose a hill that is too steep. The hill should also be far away from busy roads, where there are many cars. To keep your hands warm and safe, make sure to wear gloves or mittens. Wearing a bike helmet to protect your head is also a great idea.
 
  Ãâó: ¾î¸°ÀÌ ¿µÀڽŹ® ŰÁîŸÀÓÁî (www.kidstimes.net)