Tubes

Winter is a time of increased injuries, and the culprits are not only icy conditions, the use of pyrotechnics, alcohol abuse, but also quite peaceful activities — sledding.
In recent years, inflatable sleds (tubes) have gained popularity, displacing wooden and plastic sleds from slopes and hills. Riding on "sleds — tubes" does not require special skills, good physical fitness, or prior training. Anyone can ride a tube. Moreover, no special clothing is required for tubing: any clothing will do, as long as it is comfortable for you.

Tubing ("tube riding") is a leisure activity suitable for both adults and children. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most injury-prone forms of recreation. Unlike sleds, "tubes" can reach higher speeds and even spin around their axis during descent. This adds vivid sensations and adrenaline for the riders. However, they are completely uncontrollable and not equipped with braking devices.

Soft round sleds may seem completely harmless, and in pursuit of sensations, many go higher, resulting in an increased braking distance. A person flying at high speed, without the ability to brake, is like a car with failed brakes; it will either hit someone or crash itself.

To make your leisure enjoyable and tubing safe, you only need to follow a couple of simple rules:


— ride only in designated areas,

— before descending the hill, check that there are no people in your path.

It is also prohibited to attach tubes to each other in a "train"; they may overturn. It is dangerous to sit on a tube with two people, as one may fall out. However, adults often take children with them, which leads to serious injuries among children.

The tubing track should be specially prepared.

-Riding on inflatable sleds is recommended on slopes with an incline of no more than 20 degrees. There should be enough space at the bottom of the slope for braking. It is also not advisable to ride tubes on slopes covered with trees.

-The track should be free of pits, bumps, protruding bushes, and stones.

Tubing develops high speeds, so pay attention to other riders on the slope. Before starting your descent, make sure there is no one in front of you, especially children.

Do not overload the tube. The specifications of each model indicate the maximum allowable weight for it.

Riding on "sleds — tubes" should be done while sitting. Do not attempt to ride a tube standing or jumping like on a trampoline.

During the ride, it is recommended to hold onto the special straps located on the sides of the tube.

Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters or 20 seconds between the descent of the previous tube and yours.
To avoid injuries, do not brake with your feet during descent.

After completing your descent, you should immediately leave the riding area.

If you stop or fall, quickly get off the track — you may get hit!

If you inflated or topped up the tube in the cold, when bringing it into a warm room or car, it is recommended to release some air from the chamber. If the "tube" was heavily inflated with cold air, the air will expand in the warmth, and the chamber may burst.

Do not tie inflatable sleds to vehicles: snowmobiles, ATVs, cars, etc.

Do not ride a tube while under the influence of alcohol.

To avoid collisions with descending tubes, ascend the hill at a safe distance from the descent.

To avoid injuries, do not brake with your feet.

These are mandatory conditions to ensure that your leisure does not end in the hospital.