Skateboard Safety Tips for Kids

Skateboarding has become a popular past time for kids of all ages. Not only can you find a playground park to play, but now they have skate parks too. Along with the fun that skateboarding provides it also can provide a chance of injury. There are important safety tips your kids to know to stay safe while skateboarding. We want our kids to have fun but be safe while having fun. This article will detail several skateboarding safety tips and suggestions.

According to the USCP Safety Commission more than 25,000 people are treated each year in skateboard related injuries. Source: cpsc.gov. Most of these accidents are caused by not wearing proper riding gear, not riding on proper surfaces and not being skilled in balancing and riding. As you can see, most injuries can be prevented when you take the necessary precautions.

It probably comes as no surprise that most people that are injured on skateboards are children. Teenagers and younger. That is why, as parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children safety when riding a skateboard.

The first safety precaution we will look at is wearing the proper riding gear. The proper riding gear is a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Of course some kids think that it's not "cool" to have to wear all of that stuff, but as their parents we need to make sure that they do. Especially when they are beginners at skateboarding. Take your child with you and have them pick out their own riding gear. They are more apt to wear it and want to wear it and if they get to choose. Good riding shoes are a necessity also.

It is also important where you ride your skateboard. Good solid surfaces are best for riding skateboards. Rough roads and streets are not a good idea. This is why a good skate park is a great place to ride. The surfaces are made for skateboarding. It is a good place for beginners to learn.

Now this may sound a bit strange, but the CPSC also recommends that you learn how to fall properly. Falling off of a skateboard is pretty much inevitable. Learning how to fall properly can lessen the chance of injury. It is recommended that when you start to lose your balance and you think you are going to fall off it is best to crouch down as best you can. This will lessen the distance you will have to fall. It makes a little easier. It is best to try not to tense up when you fall. I know that is easier said than done but that will also help you when you fall. Source: cpsc.gov

It is also important to learn how to ride the skateboard. Most kids are self taught, but it wouldn't hurt for them to be trained in proper ways to ride. At least to incorporate the proper way in their riding. Before each ride it is a good idea to inspect the board to make sure it is in good working order. Check the wheels to make sure they are tight. Obey all traffic laws and signs. Even on skateboards it is important to obey and be aware of the traffic signs around you. Although the next tip I would suggest is to stay off of busy roads and streets altogether. Only ride in designated areas.

There are other common sense tips that are worth repeating. Only one person on a skateboard at a time. Like I said, this may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many kids may try this. Skateboards are made for one person. Another very important safety rule is to never catch a ride with a car or other moving vehicle. This means holding on to the bumper or tailgate while skateboarding. This is extremely dangerous and needs to be avoided. Don't be a show off. Trying to do tricks your not ready to do is an injury waiting to happen. Don't do things your not skilled to do.

The last tip for skateboarding safety is to ride only in safe designated places. A skate park or empty parking lot are good places. A little safety will go a long way in having fun on skateboards. We want our kids to have fun. Let's keep them safe while they are having it.

Sources:

http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.nsc.org