Expert gives advice on safe skating
Skating is one of the most favorite winter activities among Russians. It gives a lot of positive emotions and promotes health. However, you can also get injured on the rink if you do not observe basic safety precautions. SberStrakhovanie project director Elena Kosheleva told Izvestia on January 18 how to make skating comfortable and safe for the whole family.
"Start with choosing a skating rink. Preference should be given to equipped sites where the ice is regularly cleaned and checked. This reduces the risk of tripping over potholes or cracks. This season in Moscow opened 47 skating rinks with artificial and natural ice, which offer comfortable conditions. Skating on frozen bodies of water, even if the ice seems solid, is not safe: the surface may be uneven and the ice thickness may be insufficient," she said.
According to her, proper equipment is no less important. Skates should fit the size and tightly fix the foot to avoid sprains and falls. Children should wear protection: a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. These simple measures will help prevent serious injuries, even if a child falls.
"Preparation before skating is also important. A light warm-up and stretching will help warm up muscles and reduce the risk of injury from sudden movements or falls. This is especially important for those who rarely go to the skating rink," Kosheleva added.
The expert emphasized that it is worth to follow the generally accepted rules of behavior on the ice. You should skate at your own pace, avoiding sharp maneuvers. It is also necessary to keep an eye on children: they can get carried away and accidentally collide with other people.
"Teach them the basic rules - don't push, don't sit on the ice and don't get in the way of other skaters. It is also important to move along the general course of traffic and be careful with active games," Kosheleva said.
Earlier, in mid-December 2024, insurance companies reported to Izvestia that of all outdoor winter activities, skating off ice slides causes the most injuries. It was this activity that accounted for a quarter of cases in the three seasons when people applied for payments.
