Surrey hospital urges people to 'skate safe' as many get inspired by Tokyo Olympics
A helmet, gloves and pads are a must when skating!
A Surrey hospital is urging people to stay safe if they are considering taking up skateboarding.
Sales in equipment have surged by 31% following the Tokyo Olympics where Team GB's 13-year-old Sky Brown won bronze.
Doctors and nurses at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are urging local people to skate safe – whether you’re picking up a new hobby or are a seasoned skater.
Joint Medical Director and Consultant Paediatrician Dr Ruth Charlton is urging skaters to avoid cuts, bruises and breaks:
“Skateboarding is superb exercise, but we also see badly injured patients who have not been wearing the right gear. As the Games showed, accidents are common and we don’t want to see injured skaters in our Emergency Departments!
Be like the brilliant Sky in Tokyo, and always wear a helmet, pads and gloves and stay safe.
“Even at slow speeds there is great risk of everything from twisted ankles to fractured bones and serious, permanent head injuries.
At the Trust we treated more than 800 fractures between May and July this year, and we don’t want to add to that.”
Skateboard GB says it has seen a 31% rise in skateboard sales in the past month, and a 20% rise in enquiries for lessons.
Head of Engagement Neil Ellis, he echoed Ruth’s message to local people:
“Always wear safety kit, especially a helmet.”
“The first time you stand on a skateboard, do it on grass or carpet, so it doesn't move; get lessons and link with local groups and skateparks.”