Shred safely, dudes

Did you see Tony Hawk rip the 360 nose-ollie off the grind wall … whoa dude … that was awesome!

The approaching spring weather means people will start riding their skateboards more, and it’s important to keep safety in mind.

***image1***According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 104,000 persons with skateboard-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2001. The 435th Air Base Wing safety office would like to help KMC skateboarders not make that trip. Following manufacturer’s instructions, properly wearing all required equipment, riding only in approved locations and following posted skate park rules will reduce the likelihood of an injury. 

First and foremost, everyone should be familiar with, and follow, applicable regulations on military installations. They apply to all personnel. Specifically:

• Commissary and exchange parking lots are not authorized for recreation activities
• Helmets are required for all riders everywhere; wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads are required when using the skate park, but are highly encouraged elsewhere
• Skate park use is authorized when wearing all required equipment and following all posted rules

Parents are responsible for ensuring their dependents ride in designated areas, properly wear all required equipment, and are follow all skate park rules.