With school holidays approaching and the snow season upon us, Kidsafe Victoria has today issued a reminder to keep safety in mind when travelling to the snow fields.

Robert Caulfield, Vice President of Kidsafe Victoria, said that while a trip to the snow can be a very exciting experience, it can also present a unique set of hazards that many families are not used to as part of their normal living environments.

Common injury hazards for children in the snow fields include falls and collisions with other people or objects such as trees and logs.

With school holidays approaching and an increase in visitors to the snow fields, it is important for safety in the snow to be on the agenda for all involved’, said Mr Caulfield.

Kidsafe Victoria has produced a safety fact sheet which can help families plan and prepare for their trip to the snow.

The fact sheet can be downloaded via http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/images/stories/pdfs/Snow_Ski_safety.pdf.

Kidsafe Victoria’s Snow Safety Tips:

• Ensure children are adequately dressed for cold and wet weather
• Remember to protect children’s skin and eyes – there is still a risk of sunburn, even on cold, overcast days
• Have children learn the basics in a class led by a qualified instructor. Most snow schools will have specialised classes for children
• Match your child’s level of experience to the activity they are going to undertake
• Never carry your baby in a sling or carrier if you are skiing or snowboarding
• Ensure your child is wearing appropriate and correctly fitted safety gear, including a snow sport helmet
• Ensure children are supervised by an adult at all times
• Have a name tag in a visible place (with ski lodge or home address) to help the Ski Patrol locate you should one of your children be lost or injured