Curling Safety

• Sliders are slippery.  Ice is slippery.
• Step on the ice with your gripper foot.
• Never step onto the ice with your slider foot.
• Step off the ice with your slider foot.
• Never step off the ice with your gripper foot.
• Your SLIDER foot should be LAST ON, FIRST OFF.

Curling has become a popular winter sport among Canadians of all ages.  Like all sports played on ice, the risk of falls is increased.  

• Curling sheets are always busy with activity:  rocks being delivered, sweepers following rocks, people walking back and forth.  Before you step on to the ice take a look around and take note of the sheets being used and the experience and potential injury risks presented by the other players.

• Falls often happen when a curler is stepping on or off the ice.  Always step on the ice with your gripper foot first, never step on with your slider foot first.  When you step off the ice, always step off with your slider foot first.  Hold onto the boards or use our broom or brush for better balance.

• Ice conditions can change from one day to the next.  Note how slippery the ice is when you first step on, and use extra caution if necessary.

• Keep an eye out for stray rocks, and prevent rocks from going onto another sheet.

• Keep your feet on the ice.  Walk or slide, never hop or run.

• Wear a helmet.

• Clothing should be warm, comfortable and allow movement.  Thin gloves may hep to prevent blisters while sweeping.

• Make sure that your shoes provide good traction on ice.  Be sure that your slider and gripper, or shoes, are clean and dry before stepping onto the ice.

• You can use your broom or brush to help keep your balance and avoid falls, both when you're getting on and off the ice and while playing.

• Use your broom or brush to stop the rocks.  A rock can have more momentum that you may realize and if you use your hand to stop it, your fingers can be pinched between it and another rock.  If you use your foot to stop a fast moving rock, you can lose your balance and fall.

• Curling courses and clinics will help you to enjoy the game to the fullest and tech you the skills needed to avoid slips and falls.