The expert named the rules of safety of riding on "water trampolines"
Riding on tubing, or, as they are more often called, "cotton wagons", is a fun and popular winter vacation, which is enjoyed by both children and adults. However, this entertainment can be traumatic, so it requires strict adherence to safety rules. SberStrakhovanie project director Elena Kosheleva told Izvestia on January 19 how to make skating safe and enjoyable.
"Choosing a suitable location is the first step on the way to a fun pastime. Preference should be given to equipped slides, where there are special areas for descent and ascent. Such places are usually controlled by responsible services, and the slopes are prepared: there are no holes, bumps and bushes. Riding on improvised slides, especially near roads or water bodies, is dangerous. There is a risk of driving on the roadway or thin ice, and obstacles hidden under the snow can lead to falls, collisions or even overturn the tubing at high speed. It is also strictly forbidden to tie the tubing to cars or snowmobiles," she said.
According to her, the right equipment is no less important. It is necessary to choose a "tubing" of the appropriate size to fit the weight and age of the rider. Before using it, you need to make sure it has intact handles and no damage. Given the high speed of tubing, you should not neglect protection - a helmet should be worn by both children and adults, the expert emphasized.
"Before you roll down, make sure that the way is free: at the bottom and on the slope along the trajectory of descent should not be people or obstacles. Do not forget: it is difficult to brake on the "vatrushka", so keeping the distance between the skaters is a must. At the same time, children should ride under the supervision of adults, and the youngest - only in pairs with parents", - said Kosheleva.
She also specified that it is worth remembering the rules of safe behavior: to climb back up only on a specially designated path, so as not to collide with other people.
Earlier, in mid-December 2024, insurance companies reported to Izvestia that of all the winter outdoor activities the most injuries are caused by ice-slides. It was this activity that accounted for a quarter of cases in the three seasons when people applied for payments.
