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SALT LAKE VALLEY -- Two young boys were injured in separate sledding accidents Monday afternoon.
First, a 7-year-old boy was seriously hurt while sledding near Riverton City Park, despite several "no sledding" signs.
The boy's sled hit a tree, and he suffered a broken femur. He was airlifted to Primary Children's Medical Center.
Then, an 8-year-old boy was hurt while sledding at Sugarhouse Park. He was sledding on the East Hill near Highland High School when he hit his head on something.
Scott Freitag, spokesman for the Salt Lake City Fire Department, said the boy was unconscious but breathing when he was taken by ambulance to Primary Children's Medical Center.
Monday's accidents serve as reminders that sledding can be dangerous. The National Safety Council has several tips for staying safe on sledding hills:
- Make sure children and adults wear helmets and bundle up. The helmet helps prevent head injuries, and bundling up keeps you warm and provides padding and protection.
- Go feet-first down the slope. This will greatly reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Use a steerable runner sled because they're much easier to control.
- And stress to youngsters that while sledding is fun, it can be extremely dangerous.
CLICK HERE for more tips from the National Safety Council.
