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Fresh snow has created ideal tobogganing and sledding conditions across St. Thomas-Elgin, but a new study suggests extra caution is needed.
Research led by Dr. April Kam of Hamilton Health Sciences found emergency department visits at McMaster Children’s Hospital related to sledding injuries tripled in 2021 and 2022.
While most injuries are minor, the study shows serious injuries happen more often than many people realize, highlighting the need for greater awareness around sledding safety.
Kam says one of the best ways parents can prevent serious injuries comes from choosing the right location.
Now, this isn’t to say that she’s anti-sledding. Kam supports it as a great family winter activity – when done safely.
Other safety tips from the Canadian Paediatric Society include sledding during the day, sitting up or kneeling instead of lying down, and using a sled you can steer rather than a disc or inner tube.
