Tips for using a skateboard and rollerblades safely

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Roller balding & Skateboarding is a popular activity enjoyed by many children. However, it's also an activity that causes many unintentional injuries Roller blades and Skateboards should never be used on public roads. Even experienced Roller blades and skateboarders can fall. Learning how to fall safely can help reduce the risk of severe injuries. It is recommended that children younger than 5 years of age should not use skateboards or roller blades. Their center of gravity is higher, their neuromuscular system is not well developed, their judgment is poor, and they are not sufficiently able to protect themselves from injury.

• Check the roller blade/skateboard for wear and tear.
• Only allow one person per skateboard.
• Don’t skate in crowds.
• Carefully practice tricks in designated roller skateboarding/skateboarding areas.
• Never skate in the road, inside buildings or near water.
• Always wear protective gear such as helmets, knee, elbow and wrist guards/padding, and closed-toe and slip-resistant shoes.
• Inform parents or someone where you will be skating.
• Don't take chances.
• Be on the look out for other skaters.
• Check manufacturers instructions and warnings when using new skateboard/roller blades.
• Complicated tricks require careful practice and a specially designated area
• Only one person per skateboard
• Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck, bicycle, etc. This is very dangerous. It is a privilege to have a skateboard or roller blades so it should be used wisely.
• If rules are not followed parents should discipline children on the dangers Check skateboards, skates and equipment every time before skating.
• Don’t try and be a show off as this might inevitable result in and fall.
• Don’t be a fool, don’t take chances.
• Communities should be encouraged to develop safe skateboarding areas away from pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.
• Learning how to fall in case of an accident may help reduce the chances of being seriously injured.
• If you are losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so that you will not have so far to fall or try and jump off if possible when you feel you are loosing your balance.
• In a fall, try to land on the fleshy parts of your body.
• If you fall, try to roll rather than absorb the force with your arms.
• Even though it may be difficult, during a fall try to relax your body, rather than stiffen.

In-line skates/roller blades:

Even experienced in-line skaters can crash and sustain injuries.

• Always wear protective gear, such as elbow and kneepads, gloves, helmets, and wrist guards.
• Buy durable skates with proper ankle support.
• Always warm up your muscles before skating by skating slowly for five minutes or more.
• Skate with knees slightly bent to maintain balance.
• Practice stopping, which is done by bringing the foot with the heel stop forward until the heel stop is level with the toes of the other foot, bend the front knee, and lift the front foot's toes.
• Avoid skating in the street, especially where there is a lot of traffic.
• Look for uneven pavement or other surface problems.
• Check your skates regularly for wear and tear. Make sure the wheels are tightened.
• Never ever hold onto moving vehicle, even if you think it might be cool, you are only a fool for doing so.