Outdoor winter fun: Keeping kids safe
12/12/2024 by Luke Radel, M.D.
Winter is here, whether we like it or not. While some may grumble and hibernate for the winter, many people will head outdoors for fun in the snow and cold.
The winter season offers many activities that are fun for the entire family to enjoy. These cold-weather activities can be dangerous, but you can reduce your risk of injury if you and your family take the proper safety precautions. Here are some tips:
Wear protection
Wearing an appropriately sized helmet can reduce your risk of a serious head injury when playing on snow and ice. Helmets are strongly encouraged during many winter sports, especially if you are sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snowmobiling.
Apply sunscreen, lip balm, and wear sunglasses or goggles, to keep your skin, lips and eyes safe from the wind and sun. Even in the winter, your skin and eyes can be damaged by the sun, especially with the sun reflecting off the snow.
Know the terrain
When participating in outdoor activities, be on the lookout for trees, people and other obstacles. Avoid sledding on hills near roads, parking lots, ponds or other obstacles on the sledding route. Find a sledding hill with a clear finish area without trees or other obstacles in the way.
If you like to ice skate outdoors, you should do so at skating rinks, if possible, rather than ponds or other bodies of water. If you ice skate over a body of water, make sure the ice is thick enough to skate on. If you like to ski, pick a skiing hill that is appropriate for your skill level. Stay on designated skiing trails and courses.
Phone a friend
Your child should never do any winter activities alone. Young children should always be supervised by an adult while doing outdoor winter activities. Older kids and teens should always have someone with them in case of injury, especially in the harsh, cold elements. Plus, it’s more fun with a friend!
Learn from the pros
Lessons are strongly encouraged for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Be sure your child follows the instructions of their guide, instructor or coach to safely participate in outdoor winter activities.
If you live in Minnesota, snowmobilers are required by law to take a snowmobile safety training course before operating a snowmobile. If you live elsewhere, you should familiarize yourself with your state's snowmobile regulations before your child rides on or operates a snowmobile.
Stay warm
To stay warm, wear layers, including:
- Base layer: This layer should be a breathable, moisture-wicking base.
- Insulating layer: You should have at least one insulating layer between your base and top layers.
- Top layer: Your top layer should be waterproof and windproof.
Try to cover up as much of your child's skin as possible to prevent cold injury, such as frostbite. Make sure clothing is replaced if it gets too wet for the child. Wet gear causes a rapid loss of body heat and can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Also, take frequent breaks to go inside to warm up.
Don't forget to drink water before, during and after outdoor winter activities. It is easy to forget to drink fluids during winter sports, but it's just as important to stay hydrated during the winter as it is during hot weather. Staying well-hydrated will help maintain good circulation, and help your child stay warm and active.
Recognize hypothermia and frostbite
Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that happens when someone's core body temperature gets too low. Due to a variety of reasons, children are more prone to hypothermia than adults.
Suspect hypothermia if you notice:
- Slurred speech.
- Uncontrollable shivering.
- Confusion.
- Stumbling or clumsiness
Seek emergency care if you suspect hypothermia.
Frostbite is a cold injury to the skin, most commonly on extremities and exposed areas of skin, such as ears, nose, chin, hands and feet. Monitor your child for signs of frostbite.
Skin numbness or stinging, or a tingling sensation, can be early signs of frostbite. If frostbite is suspected, warm the skin up slowly in warm — not hot — water. If skin numbness doesn't go away — or if the skin appears hard, waxy, white or grayish-yellow in appearance, with a lack of sensation — seek emergency care for frostbite.
Watch closely for signs of hypothermia and frostbite in children who cannot communicate easily, such as young children or children with communication disabilities.
Seek care when concerned
It's important for your child to stay healthy and active this winter season. Participating in outdoor winter activities is a fun way for the whole family to stay active.
Despite your best efforts to keep your kids safe this winter season, they still may end up with an injury or ailment. If so, contact your healthcare provider promptly to ensure your child gets an appropriate evaluation and any treatment that they may need.
Stay warm, stay safe, and have fun this winter!
Luke Radel, M.D., practices in Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified in pediatrics and sports medicine. Dr. Radel is the volunteer team physician at John Marshall High School in Rochester and has provided medical coverage for many winter sporting activities. He has experience treating youth, collegiate and professional athletes.