Winter Sports Safety
A program provided by Bay-Lakes Council
With support from BSA Risk Management
Winter Sports Safety
Beyond camping, a number of cold-
weather activities present challenges
to the Scout and leader, such as cross-
country skiing, ice skating, sledding,
snowmobiling, ice fishing, and
snowshoeing.
Winter Sports Safety
Essential ingredients for fun include
skill training and an awareness of the
hazards unique to these activities.
Winter Sports Safety
Snow conditions,
hazardous terrain,
special clothing needs,
and emergency
survival are important
issues for a safe and
successful experience.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
All winter activities must be supervised by mature and conscientious
adults (at least one of whom must be age 21 or older) who understand
and knowingly accept responsibility for the well-being and safety of
the youth in their care, who are experienced and qualified in the
particular skills and equipment involved in the activity,
and who are committed to compliance with the
seven points of BSA Winter Sports Safety.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
Leaders should emphasize preventing accidents through
adherence to safety measures and proper technique.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
The use of helmets is required for the following activities:
downhill skiing, snowboarding and operation of snowmobiles.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
The adult leader should be familiar with the physical circumstances
of each youth participant and make appropriate adjustments in the
activity or protection as warranted by individual
health or physical conditions.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
It is essential that all equipment fit and function properly.
Use only designated areas.
Be sure your winter outdoor activity
always follows these guidelines:
All participants should know, understand,
and respect the rules and procedures for
safe winter activity. The applicable rules
should be presented and learned before the
outing, and all participants should review
them just before the activity begins.
CODE OF
RESPONSIBILITY
Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid
other people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way.
It is your responsibility to avoid them.
You must not stop where you obstruct a trail,
or are not visible from above.
CODE OF
RESPONSIBILITY
Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail,
look uphill and yield to others.
Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
CODE OF
RESPONSIBILITY
Observe all posted signs and warnings.
Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability
to load, ride and unload safely.
Guide to Safe Scouting
For more information on policies and procedures for Unit
activities, consult the Guide to Safe Scouting found at:
http://scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx