Top 10 Sledging Safety Tips

To maximise safety at all times it is recommended that children under 12 are

supervised by a responsible adult when sledging. Children under 5 should be
accompanied on their sledge by an adult.

1. Choose a hill with a gentle slope and long run off area for your
tobogganing.

2. Avoid icy surfaces and make sure the hill has a good covering of
snow.

3. Make sure your chosen slope is free of holes and obstacles that
could damage you or your sledge such as buildings, rocks, trees,
fences, farm implements and frozen mole hills!

4. Use a well-designed, sturdy sledge with good handholds –
‘homemade’ or ‘adapted’ items will invariably be more difficult to
control and not as safe.

5. Only toboggan in day-light, or in well-lit areas.

6. Go down the hill sitting up and facing forward on your sledge.
Never go down head first, backwards or standing up.

7. Make sure your tobogganing route is clear right down to the
bottom and avoid any routes which are near to streams or rivers.
Do not start your tobogganing straight after another person.

8. During your sledge run, tuck in your arms, legs and all your
clothing such as scarves, drawstrings etc.

9. If you do fall off your sledge or stop unexpectedly, immediately
move out of the way of other sledge users.

10. Dress properly for the cold with hats, gloves, and warm
waterproof clothing including footwear.
Happy sledging!!