The first day back to school after New Year’s Day held the promise of snow for sledding.

It started snowing early, before school started, and now it was snowing heavily. The “Can Do” kids were hoping that there would be an early dismissal from school.

Most of “Can Dos” had taken their sleds down from their attics or out of their garages just to be ready for a chance to go sledding.

Just then the door opened and in came Coach Campbell. “Hi boys and girls,” said Coach. “As you can see it is snowing very hard and there will be early dismissal.” Coach waited for the cheering to quiet down before he continued. “I want to remind everyone about the safety rules when it comes to sledding.

Before you start sledding, be sure you have the right kind of sled and helmets, dress warmly, and ask you parents or grandparents to pick out a perfect hill for you to sled down.

Then remember:

• No sledding without a responsible adult present to supervise. If a child does get injured, there should always be an adult on hand to administer first aid and, if necessary, take the injured sledder to the emergency room.
• Young kids (5 and under) should only sled with an adult, and kids under 12 should be actively watched at all times.
• You should always sit face-forward on your sleds. Never sled down a hill backwards or while standing
•  Don’t go down the hill face-first, as this greatly increases your risk of hurting your head.
• You need to go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young kids).
• Don’t build an artificial jump or an obstacle on a sledding hill.
• Keep your arms and legs within the sled at all times.
• If you fall off the sled, move out of the way.
• If you are on a sled that won’t stop, roll off it and get away from it.
• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
• Never ride a sled that is being pulled by a moving vehicle.”

The “Can Dos” nodded and promised Coach they would follow the sledding rules.

Coach smiled and said, “OK then, get out there and have fun sledding!”