The Timeshare Beat Home | Today's Headlines | Back to Previous Page
|
The Timeshare Beat Home | Today's Headlines | Back to Previous Page |
|
|
|
Press Release: The National Ski Areas Association
September 25, 2002
LAKEWOOD, CO -- The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has launched a new website, www.lidsonkids.org
that is geared for parents this upcoming ski season. The objective is to educate parents about putting helmets
on their children while they're on the slopes and to heighten awareness about helmet usage.
"Wearing a helmet can help reduce the severity of a head injury under many circumstances," said NSAA
President Michael Berry.
"We recommend that parents, skiers and snowboarders educate themselves about the benefits and limitations
of helmets -- and make an informed choice about whether to wear one or have their child wear one. We anticipate
that our 'Lids On Kids' website will be an excellent resource, particularly for parents, interested in learning
more about helmet usage on the slopes," said Berry.
The website also contains frequently asked questions and answers about helmets, related articles, ski and snowboard
related games, tips on how to get started in the sport and testimonials from U.S. Ski Team athletes and others
who feel positively about wearing helmets.
The "Lids On Kids" website was made possible by the support of the National Ski Patrol, Professional
Ski Instructors of America, American Association of Snowboard Instructors, the International Brain Injury Association,
the National Safety Council, SnowSports Industries America and the following helmet manufacturers who sincerely
advocate slope safety education: Acerbis, Boeri Ski and Snowboard Helmets, Giro, Leedom, Ovo USA, R.E.D, Salomon
and W Helmets.
NSAA will also produce a poster promoting helmet usage that will be distributed to ski areas across the country
to display in their retail shops. Ski areas will also help to promote the "Lids On Kids" website via
their brochures and websites.
"We recognize that although serious head injuries are relatively rare, about 2.6 percent of the reported injuries
each season, they do occur and need to be addressed," said Berry.
"Wearing a helmet is a smart idea, but what's most important to remember is that there is no substitute for
safe and responsible behavior on the slopes," explains Berry.
"We want to remind our guests this upcoming season that personal responsibility is key and to please adhere
to the 'Your Responsibility Code,' the seven safety rules of the slopes," he added.
The "Lids On Kids" website is the newest addition to NSAA's already established "Heads Up"
national ski and snowboard safety awareness campaign that was introduced in 1999. The objective is to help reduce
the frequency of accidents and unify the ski industry to focus on and communicate a proactive, strong safety message.
The ski industry recognizes that there are inherent risks to skiing and snowboarding. Overall skiing and snowboarding
have excellent safety records as a result of the industry's on-going safety education for its guests. For more
information about "Heads Up" and other industry safety initiatives, go to www.nsaa.org
and click on skier/snowboarder safety.
Your Responsibility Code
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country
and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide
to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that
common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers
the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.
Source: The National Ski Areas Association