Skateboarding is increasing in popularity. Tragically, many parents don’t fully realize the dangers this sport poses.
You must be consistent in applying every safety measure to help prevent serious accidents. Here are a few ways you can help prevent your child from getting hurt at the skate park.
Safety Gear
Safety gear is one of the most important aspects of keeping your child safe at the skate park. Like many sports, skateboarding can be dangerous.
Enforce the use of safety gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads, to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with crashing on a skateboard. If your child complains they’ll look like a dork in elbow and knee pads let them know they’ll look even more ridiculous in a body cast or splint, hooked up to machines in a hospital bed.
Supervision
Being vigilant about your child’s safety is mandatory especially at skate parks. Kids are notorious for trying out the latest and greatest tricks or trying to drop in on large bowls they aren’t exactly ready for.
By keeping your child under a watchful eye, you can prevent accidents before they happen. However, if an accident does occur, after getting your child treated for any injury(ies) you should contact a personal injury lawyer to find out what your recourse options.
There’s always time to consult a professional in these sort of situations. Always.
Proper Equipment
To save money, many parents buy their children cheap skateboards. However, cheaper boards can be dangerous because they can break from use.
Additionally, buying a skateboard that is too large or too small can lead to an imbalance causing your child to take frequent falls. You should also make sure the bolts are tightened along the wheels and other skateboard areas before each trip to the skate park.
It may seem like overkill, but this can save your child from serious injury. Getting a concussion is not anything small, so encourage your kids to always wear their helmet to protect themselves.
Gloves, elbow and knee pads can also keep children safe from minor and serious injuries.
Police the Area
Seemingly insignificant items, such as rocks or small sticks, can pose huge risks to your child. Small rocks can cause your child to go from smooth cruising to face planting in a matter of seconds.
Before your child starts skating, take a quick stroll through the park to check for any potential safety risks. You can also have other parents and children help you sweep the skate park, making sure all rocks and other hazards are safely cleared out of the way for all children in the park.
While kids may get stoked by taking risks, parents aren’t always as approving. By taking action and asserting your concern over your child’s safety, you can prevent them from hurting themselves and show them you care.
Never let your child skateboard without supervision or in an area with a lot of hazards, with poor quality skateboards, or without proper safety equipment.
Skateboarding injuries often involve the wrist, ankle or face. Many injuries happen when you lose your balance, fall off the skateboard and land on an outstretched arm.
Severe injuries include concussion, closed head injury and blunt head trauma. Get tips for avoiding playground concussions.
