SKATING/SKATEBOARDING

Skating and skateboarding can increase balance, agility, coordination and reaction time. It's also pretty fun. With plenty of practice and these safety tips, your kids can roll smart and safe.

The Hard Facts

More than 80,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for skateboard-related injuries every year. Skateboarding injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Skateboarders have been killed by head injuries and collisions with cars.

Top Tips

1. Every skater should wear a helmet. Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are a good idea for everyone, but especially for beginners. Mouth guards are good protection against broken teeth.
2. Children should ride on smooth, dry surfaces located in a well-lit area away from traffic.
3. Teach children to check skates and boards for problems before each use. If there are any cracked, loose or broken parts, the item should not be used until it is repaired.
4. Teach children to minimize the impact of a fall by crouching down as they lose balance to reduce the distance to the surface.