Safe Sliders

The Safe Sliders program provides young skiers with helmets, safety tips, and reflective tags for skiing.

Nationwide, a quarter of a million children are injured annually while participating in winter sports. Ski helmets can reduce or prevent the effects of 53 percent of head injuries suffered by children under the age of 15 while skiing or snowboarding, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

During the 2010-2011 ski season, members of the Community Outreach office are educating young skiers and snowboarders about winter sport safety.

The Safe Sliders program has been recognized on a national level for its unique approach to educating children about winter sports safety. The National Ski Association recognized Safe Sliders with the Heads Up National Safety Award for Best Youth Safety Program. The program was also recognized by the National Resort & Commercial Recreation Association for Excellence in Programming.

In addition to other Safe Sliders events, the Community Outreach office educated young skiers of Club Yancey from Yancey Elementary School on winter sports safety. Each member of Club Yancey was fitted for a free ski helmet. The ski helmets will be distributed to Club Yancey in January 2011.