In-line skating and skateboarding are popular sports for kids to participate in during the warm summer months. Although these sports are a lot of fun, they also account for many injuries to children ages 14 and under.

Children ages 5 to 14 are most at risk for injuries due to in-line skating and skateboarding. In 1995, US hospital emergency rooms treated approximately 56,000 children ages 14 and under for in-line skating injuries and more than 16,000 children for skateboard-related injuries.

"Parents, caregivers and children need to realize that these sports can be dangerous," said Evelyn Hanes, RN, SafeKids of Georgia in Clarke County. "By practicing important safety guidelines - such as wearing the necessary protective gear - a child’s chance of staying safe and having fun greatly increases."

Most in-line skating injuries are caused by lack of protective gear, lack of skill or instruction and risky behavior. Lack of protective gear, poor skateboard maintenance, riding surfaces and inexperience are main factors for skateboard related injuries. Also, many young children have not developed the necessary balance, coordination and reaction time that skateboard riding requires.

To keep in-line skating and skateboarding fun and safe, SafeKids of Georgia in Clarke County recommends that children follow these safety guidelines:

• Always wear protective gear: a helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads.

• Take lessons from professional instructors or other knowledgeable adults.

• Skate or ride responsibly and carefully, always following the "rules of the road."

• Always control speed and turns, and learn how to brake and stop quickly.

• Do not skate or ride in the street.

• Skate or ride on smooth, paved surfaces. Do not skate or ride on uneven or broken pavement, water, oil, sand, gravel or dirt.

• Stay on the right side of sidewalk, paths and trails and pass pedestrians, cyclists and others on the left.

• Avoid skating or riding at night.

• Do not wear a walkman or anything else that may interfere with hearing or vision.

• Stay alert and be courteous to others.

• Yield to pedestrians.

• Check and maintain equipment regularly.

While active children are seeking adventure in the warm months, following these safety guidelines will help ensure a safe summer.

For more information, please call the Athens Area Safe Kids of Georgia Coalition at (706) 354-3455.

Athens Area Safe Kids of Georgia Coalition is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and SAFE KIDS of Georgia, a long-term effort to prevent unintentional injury--the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.