NNSL (DEC 20/96) - Tobogganing isn't considered a dangerous winter activity, but Yellowknife's two sledding hills are common areas for injury every year, particularly for children.

Mike Lowing, deputy fire chief, said the Fire Department makes routine responses to Bristol Pit and Jackfish Lake sliding hills all winter long.

"We make regular trips to these areas, with Saturday and Sunday and evenings being the busiest," he said.

Last year, 28 people were injured while tobogganing or riding in a sleigh behind a snowmachine in Yellowknife, according to the Stanton Regional Hospital's injury database, CHIRPP.

Children are most at risk for serious injury, and should be accompanied by an adult and wear a helmet. Kids under five years old should have an adult on the sled.

Hundreds of children end up in emergency rooms across Canada every winter with tobogganing injuries.

National statistics indicate one-third of those have head injuries, one-quarter have broken bones, one-quarter are severely bruised, and the rest have sprains and cuts.

Lowing said many of these injuries can be prevented by changing tobogganing habits.

"We still see three or four kids crammed on an inner tub," he said.

Lowing said objects such as inner tubes, cardboard and snow carpets aren't recommended. Toboggans or sleds with runners are considered proper equipment for sliding.

Scarves and drawstrings should be tucked in and helmets are considered important. Children shouldn't go down headfirst on a toboggan.

He also stresses the importance of headgear, which can reduce injury up to 85 per cent.

"A parent wouldn't send their child down a 90-degree hill on a bicycle without a helmet on so why would they put them on a toboggan in the same conditions?"