- Use sledding equipment that the rider can steer and stop. Sleds without a steering mechanism are the most dangerous since the rider has no way of avoiding objects in his/her path.
- Avoid sliding carpets, inner tubes, cardboard sliders, snow discs and other sledding equipment that is difficult to control.
- Select a sled with metal runners over a plastic sled. Runner sleds elevate the rider off the ground and away from small, stationary objects. A plastic sled, by nature of its design, will strike anything in its path.
- Choose a sturdy sled that has secure handholds. Ensure there are no jagged edges, splinters or protruding parts on your sledding equipment.
- Always sled down the hill sitting up or kneeling on the sled. Never slide down head first or standing up.
- Before sledding down the hill, make sure your path is clear of obstacles and other people right down to the bottom of the hill.
- On the way down, keep your arms and legs tucked in.
- If you fall off the sled or stop unexpectedly, quickly move out of the way of other people who are sledding.
- Roll off a sled that won’t stop.
- Walk back up the side of the hill, away from the area where people are sledding.
- Move quickly to the side and walk up and away from the sliding path after finishing a run.
- Know your limits. Rest if you are tired. Go inside if you are cold.
- Dress properly:
- Wear hats, mittens or gloves and warm, waterproof clothing including footwear.
- To prevent strangulation, children should wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf and they should never wear
- clothing with drawstrings as they may get caught under the sled.
- Never ride into a snow bank – there could be hidden dangers such as a tree stump or rocks.
- Never use alcohol or drugs while sledding or while supervising children who are sledding.
- Parents should ensure children follow all safe sledding tips.
- A responsible adult should actively supervise children under 12 years of age.
- A responsible adult should ride on the sled with children under five years of age.
- Adults should monitor children for wet clothes, chilling, frostbite and fatigue.
- Wear appropriate helmet (such as a bike or ski helmet) to reduce the risk of serious head injury. (Currently there is not a helmet specific to sledding available. Children should wear a properly fitted helmet that has been designed for high impact collisions.)
- Only sled in the daylight or on well lit hills. The City of Hudsonville sledding hill closes at 10 p.m.
- Report all accidents and/or injuries to the City of Hudsonville at (616) 669-0200.
- In case of an emergency, call 911.
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