Sledding and tobogganing is a Canadian winter staple. Take steps to keep this activity safe and fun.

Each year, emergency departments across Canada see more than 600 injuries related to sledding or tobogganing, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Children aged 5 to 9 represent nearly half of all cases.

According to the Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, sledding or tobogganing injuries are most commonly caused by falling off the sled/toboggan or colliding with stationary objects such as trees or fences.

Safety tips

  • Inspect your toboggan to ensure it’s in good condition.
  • Use only proper sliding equipment with good brakes and steering. Inner tubes and plastic discs are not recommended because they are difficult to control.
  • Dress warmly. Many tobogganing injuries are cold-related, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
  • The safest position to be in while tobogganing is kneeling or sitting up. Sliding on your stomach, headfirst, offers the least protection from a head injury. Laying flat on the back increases the risk of injuring the spine or spinal cord.
  • Look out for others – move quickly to the side and walk up and away from the sliding path after finishing a run.
  • Wear a ski helmet as head injuries while sledding can be serious. A ski helmet is recommended because they are designed for use in cold weather and for similar falls and speeds. A hockey helmet may also be used.

Choose a safe environment

  • Ensure the hill is free of hazards – trees, rocks, bumps, fences and bare spots. Avoid ice-covered areas.
  • Ensure the hill is away from roads, rivers or railroads and that there is plenty of room to stop at the bottom of the hill.
  • Look for a hill that is not too steep (less than 30 degrees is recommended for children) and has a long, clear runoff area.

Considerations for children

  • Heat loss is particularly significant in children under age three because their heads account for a larger proportion of their overall body size. Children should be dressed warmly in layers.
  • After tobogganing, children should get out of wet clothes and boots quickly to prevent frostbite.
  • Young children should always be supervised by an adult. They should never toboggan alone.
  • Children should not toboggan at night.
Top