Sporting Safety for Winter-Lovers

I admit, I am not much of a winter-lover, except when it means hot cocoa by the fire and a good book. Most of the time, my husband has to drag me, kicking and screaming, outside to play with the kids. I just can’t stand bundling up in all that stuff. I can’t move, can’t feel my feet or fingers in just moments anyways, and I just want to stay inside and bake or watch a movie. However, once I do get out there, I tend to get into it and have just as much fun, if not more, than my little ones. Dads and babysitters just seem to have more energy for this sort of thing from the get-go. Teenagers still need to get some fresh air too, away from their electronic devices, so drag them outside too.

Here are some tips for keeping the kids, and you, safe when the temperatures plummet and days are short:

1. Light, loose-fitting layers work best to keep you warm. Avoid tight-fitting, super bulky materials. Bright, not natural colors are great for hats and jackets, to be easily spotted, if necessary.
2. Keep your feet dry. Proper footwear can be a life-saver. Invest in decent, waterproof shoes and cotton socks to wick away sweat and moisture. Once your feet get wet, trouble is not far behind.
3. Mittens are better than gloves. Your fingers are like you - they are warmer when they hang out with their friends. Choose waterproof mittens, even though the knit ones are prettier.
4. Wear safety gear when sledding, skating or skiing (or any activity with wheels or a motor). Helmets, elbow and knee pads are just as essential in winter as they are any other time of year. Head injuries can be serious and ice and snow becomes very sharp.
5. Avoid skating, sledding or skiing alone or in unfamiliar places. Accidents can happen and help could be more than a shout away, especially if kids are out on a pond. Always have a plan for when kids are supposed to return and what to do in case of emergency.
6. Stay hydrated. Yes, drink water (lotion is great to moisturize your skin this time of year, too). Our bodies need water, even if we are not sweating in the sun. Avoid sugary drinks and drink at least a few glasses or a couple water bottles every day.
7. Stay off the ice. With temperatures fluctuating from below freezing to above average, there is really no safe ice right now. My Uncle Charlie shared an old saying to remember when ice is safe or not:

One inch, stay off. Two inches, one may. Three inches, two may. Five inches, a party!

In other words, it is not safe to have a group out on the ice unless there is five inches of ice. Children should be taught to stay off ice unless an adult checks it first, every time. Ice that is safe one day may be unsafe the next day. Ice that is near or over water that moves or fed by springs may never be safe.

I want you and your family to be safe this winter. Please teach children to follow rules of safety all year long. Teach your kids it is okay to come and tell an adult if someone is breaking important safety rules. It is not tattling when safety is involved. Winter is halfway over! Have fun, bundle up and get out there before the spring thaw!