Ice Skating Safety Rules

Skating Outdoors

• Ice needs to be a minimum of four inches thick to be considered safe for skating in an outside environment. Factors that can thin the ice are springs in the water, currents under the ice and outlets such as a stream flowing out of a lake. Objects frozen into the ice such as logs will attract heat that can melt the surrounding ice. Boulders in the water will also tend to absorb sunlight and potentially weaken the ice around them. These objects can also present a hazard to a skater that encounters them, causing them to trip. Skaters should never be out on a body of water alone under any circumstances in the event of a fall through the ice or a serious fall. Life jackets or other flotation devices should be worn and ice picks, which have sharp points and are used by an individual to pull themselves out of the water onto the slippery ice, should be worn; they can be threaded through coat sleeves to have them readily at a person's disposal. Skating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a recipe for disaster.

Figure Skating Rules

• In a rink setting skaters should attempt to skate with individuals of similar abilities if at all possible. Skaters need to be aware that those skaters performing a routine are given the right of way. Often these individuals will be designated by bright colored clothing articles. Specific moves such as a jump called a Lutz are a "blind" maneuver that can cause collisions. These moves are typically attempted in corners of the rink and tend to result in noticeable divots in the ice which can tip a person off to avoid these areas. Skilled skaters about to try any move that can expose their sharpened skates to other people need to make certain enough space is available to perform the move safely. Pair skaters present a problem in that their momentum may not be slowed as easily as an individual skater.

Falls

• When a fall happens the person that has fallen has to try to get up as quickly as possible. Someone lying on the ice cannot be seen as readily as someone standing. Skaters need to learn how to fall in such a way that injuries are avoided. By keeping their hands away from their skate blades serious gashes and cuts can be prevented. When witnessing a fall it is important to ascertain the fallen skater's status quickly. If the fall has caused a major injury someone should stand over the fallen person to keep other skaters from colliding with him. It is vital to realize that trying to move such an individual can cause great harm. Alerting others to the situation and having someone seek medical help is prudent.