Safe Sliders
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that ski helmets could reduce or prevent the effects of 53 percent of head injuries suffered by children under the age of 15 while skiing or snowboarding. Nationwide, a quarter of a million children are injured annually while participating in winter sports.
In an effort to help educate young skiers and snowboarders about the potential hazards of winter sports, the University of Virginia Children's Hospital and Wintergreen Ski Resort teamed up to create the Safe Sliders program. The Safe Sliders program provides young skiers with helmets, safety tips, and reflective tags for skiing.
|
During the 2007-2008 ski season, members of the Community Outreach office and UVA Department of Dermatology educated nearly 500 young skiers and snowboarders about winter sport safety. Additionally, 50 children received snow sport helmets. This marked the third season of the program. The Safe Sliders program has been recognized on a national level for its unique approach to educating children about winter sports safety. The National Ski Association recognized Safe Sliders with the Heads Up National Safety Award for Best Youth Safety Program. The program was also recognized by the National Resort & Commercial Recreation Association for Excellence in Programming. |
 |
