Toboggan 'at your own risk,' Town of Newmarket advises

Town offers safety tips for those sliding down the hills, which are not maintained by the municipality

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 17, 2024
Joseph Quigley

After a week of snowfall, the Town of Newmarket is reminding residents to exercise caution when tobogganing.

Newmarket experienced multiple nights of heavy snowfall last week, making winter activities like tobogganing more accessible.The town is advising residents to take care and reminding that parks are not maintained for winter activities.

“Please take extra caution and use at your own risk,” the town said in a news release.

To that end, the town offered several safety tips for toboggan riders. They include checking hills for hazards, avoiding ice-covered areas, ensuring there is room at the bottom of a hill to stop safely and wearing proper equipment like a helmet. All children should also be supervised by an adult.

The town also said you should inspect your toboggan to ensure it is in good condition, dress warmly and ensure you slide in a good position.

“The safest position to be in while tobogganing is kneeling,” the town said. “Sliding on your stomach offers the least protection from head injury. Sliding on your back increases the risk of injuring the spine/spinal cord.”

You should also look out for others and avoid tobogganing and night, the town advised.

Further information is available at parachutecanada.org.