Ice skating is a fun and festive winter activity for both youngsters and adults. However, it’s important to remember that participants assume certain safety risks when they go ice skating. After all, sharp skates and slick ice make for a rather dangerous setting if one isn’t cautious and well-versed on skating’s best practices. Before heading to the rink this year, our Bucks County injury attorney recommends making sure everyone in your group knows these safety tips:
- Learn how to fall in a way that allows you to avoid injuries – Unless you’re a pro ice skater, falls are to be expected. Therefore, you should know how to fall safely before entering the rink. Your best bet to minimize the risk of injuries to your limbs and head is to fall forward onto your knees and use your hands to absorb the impact. To get back up, lift one knee up at a time and, using your hands for support, push yourself back up into a standing position. If you’re close to a wall, you can also use it for assistance.
- Be sure your skates fit properly – Not only can wearing ill-fitting ice skates result in uncomfortable blisters, but it can also increase your risk of falling while skating. Skates that are too loose can even lead you to develop a cold-related condition such as frostbite by exposing your feet to chilly air throughout your skating session. If you’re investing in your own pair of ice skates, try them on while wearing the type of socks you’ll be wearing while skating to ensure that the skates will fit the same on the rink as in the store.
- Consider safety equipment – Our injury attorney in Bucks County recommends safety equipment such as a helmet, wrist guards and/or knee pads for inexperienced or young ice skaters who are likely to fall frequently on the ice. Just be sure to verify that the rink you are going to allows such equipment to be worn.
- Always take a break if you are cold or tired – Ice skating is hard on your body, so be sure to give yourself a rest whenever you’re feeling fatigued or cold. Taking the necessary time to recharge will help you avoid injuring yourself so that you can keep enjoying the fun of ice skating with your friends or family.
- Obey rink rules at all times – These will likely include things such as skating in the same direction as other skaters, leaving the ice to use your cell phone and respecting other skaters. These rules are in place to keep everyone at the facility safe, so be sure to follow them.
While ice skating can pose a safety risk, following the aforementioned tips from our Bucks County injury lawyer will help you and your loved ones stay safe while participating in this classic holiday activity.
When Ice Skating Accidents Happen, Count On Us
Unfortunately, even when you exercise caution while ice skating, sometimes it isn’t enough to keep an enjoyable night at the rink from ending in a trip to the emergency room. If such a scenario happens to your family and you are unsure of who should be held legally responsible for the accident, turn to Mr. Gary Heslin of the Heslin Law Firm. As the injury attorney Bucks County has relied on for more than 30 years, he will carefully review the details of your case to determine who is at fault for the incident. If he deems another party to be guilty of negligence, he will fight for your right to compensation.
Interested in scheduling a free consultation with Mr. Heslin? Call (215) 332-0300 today. And for our firm’s advice on what to do when you slip on snow/ice, visit our post from last week. We look forward to seeking justice for your case should you need expert legal assistance this winter.