(HealthDay News) -- Sledding is a fun way to enjoy the winter weather. But it can be dangerous if done recklessly and without precautions.
The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety tips for sledders of any age:
- Stay away from steep and dangerous slopes that end on the road. Look for more level hills.
- Make sure the hills are clear before you sled down them -- check for holes and anything else that may obstruct the sledder's path -- including trees, fences, telephone poles or rocks.
- Stay away from hills near lakes, streams or ponds. Even if these bodies of water look frozen, they may not be frozen all the way through.
- Never sled near streets or traffic.
- Never sled down a hill head-first.
- Sledders should wear gloves and boots to protect against frostbite and injury.
