Snow Play

 
 

Playing in the snow is a fun and rewarding activity but there can be some dangers involved.

Children should be supervised at all times.

Conditions change quickly and playing in the snow can result in wet damp clothes that increase the risk of hypothermia.

Wear the appropriate clothing and ‘layer up or down’ as appropriate to avoid getting too cold or too hot.

The dangers to avoid

Snow can hide dangers in the terrain such as logs and holes.

Roads

Do not play near roads, cars and snow clearing equipment. Vehicles can move in unexpected ways on slippery roads.

Slipping and falling

Each winter slipping and falling accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice can build up. Frozen snow and ice on the ground and roads can create hard , slippery surfaces. Always wear appropriate footwear to prevent slipping and falling.

Be aware of overhead hazards

Look up. Ice and snow can collect in trees and on rooftops, so when playing outside keep clear of eaves and heavily laden trees. Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk. In cold weather icicles can build up in size very quickly and are lethal. Their size and dagger-like formation can make icicles extremely dangerous. Be aware of what’s happening above you, and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

Toboganning

Tobogganing in specially designated areas is one way of enjoying the snow.

Tobogganing can be dangerous and great care should be taken. Parents should supervise children while they are tobogganing.

Not all resorts allow toboganning. You should check with the Resort Management before you go.

Stay safe on toboggans

  • At resorts, toboggan in designated areas only.

  • There should always be a clear, safe runout at the bottom.

  • Do not use car tyres or plastic bags, which can cause serious injury.

  • Do not have more than one person in a toboggan at any one time.

  • Do not make toboggan ‘trains’ where people link themselves to other toboggans.

  • Do not toboggan in areas near rocks and trees.