Kidsafe Red Alert on Snow Safety for Children this Winter
Friday, 27 June 2014 14:13
Kidsafe
With
school holidays approaching and the snow season upon us, Kidsafe Victoria has
today issued a reminder to keep safety in mind when travelling to the snow fields.
Robert Caulfield,
Vice President of Kidsafe Victoria, said that while a trip to the snow can be
a very exciting experience, it can also present a unique set of hazards that many
families are not used to as part of their normal living environments.
Common
injury hazards for children in the snow fields include falls and collisions with
other people or objects such as trees and logs.
With
school holidays approaching and an increase in visitors to the snow fields, it
is important for safety in the snow to be on the agenda for all involved', said
Mr Caulfield.
Kidsafe Victoria has produced a safety fact sheet which can help families plan
and prepare for their trip to the snow. The fact sheet can be downloaded via http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/images/stories/pdfs/Snow_Ski_safety.pdf.
Kidsafe Victoria's
Snow Safety Tips:
Ensure children are adequately dressed for cold and wet weather
Remember to protect children's skin and eyes - there is still a risk of sunburn,
even on cold, overcast days
Have children learn the basics in a class led by a qualified instructor. Most
snow schools will have specialised classes for children
Match your child's level of experience to the activity they are going to undertake
Never carry
your baby in a sling or carrier if you are skiing or snowboarding
Ensure your child is wearing appropriate and correctly fitted safety gear, including
a snow sport helmet,
Ensure children are supervised by an adult at all times
Have a name tag in a visible place (with ski lodge or home address) to help the
Ski Patrol locate you should one of your children be lost or injured
Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile:
0417 329 201