We all know that summer months bring tons of fun: swimming, water fights, running, playing in the park. But winter months, too, are filled with dozens of fun activities, especially if you live in areas where snow and ice are a part of your winter season. Some of the best and most memorable activities you can do during the winter include: sledding, skiing, or snowboarding, having a snowball fight, and going ice skating on the local frozen pond. But, just like in summer time, there are safety considerations to make before you head out for fun in the cold.
Keep these safety tips in mind this winter:
Sunburns can be just as bad, if not worse, than those you suffer in the summer sun. The sun reflects off of the winter snow and if you are a skier or a snowmobiler, it’s important to pay attention to the sun and ensure that you still wear sunscreen during these activities. UVA and UVB rays can cause serious skin burns during the winter that could put you in the emergency room and even cause skin cancer.
That frozen pond may not be frozen enough. One of the most tragic events that can happen in the wintertime is someone falling through the ice. This can happen to fishermen who are out ice fishing or to those looking for a place to ice skate. Never go out onto frozen water without someone nearby on land, and double check with local rangers and law enforcement to find out if the area you’re headed to is considered safe.
Never use wet snow to make a snowball. If you squeeze your snow and even a little bit of water comes out, call off the snowball fight. Excess water can turn your snowballs into iceballs almost immediately, and when you hit someone with an iceball you can cause severe head and brain trauma, eye loss, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
Watch out for ice and slippery surfaces to avoid slip and fall injuries that could cause broken bones and other serious physical damages.
Snow can be a lot of fun for you and your family and friends. Just remember to play it safe and keep it fun for everyone from the first snowball until it’s time for hot chocolate.