Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

The rink supervisor is called in advance to arrange for large groups or for practice sessions. (Check with the rink supervisor in advance to learn how many adults, in addition to the rink staff, are needed to supervise the group.)

Leaders supervise from outside the main skating floor.

An experienced ice skating instructor instructs girls in basic ice skating skills, safety, and conduct rules. Practice sessions are scheduled for beginners.

Girls learn to perform basic skating skills, including how to fall and get up, before attempting more advanced skills.

Warm-up exercises are done before any strenuous ice skating; cool- down exercises end the sessions.

The rules of the rink are observed. For example:

• Everyone skates in the same direction.

• Girls do not stop in the main skating area.

• Skaters yield the right-of-way to those already in the rink.

• Skaters do not cut across the paths of other skaters.

• Skaters do not push, shove, or race on the ice.

• A falling skater does not grab hold of another skater.

• A fallen skater rises quickly, unless injured.

Loose or sharp articles, such as handbags, combs, and keys are not carried in pockets, hands, hair, or anyplace where they might cause injury to the skater in the event of a fall, or injure another skater by falling to the floor.

Girls skate on a pond or lake, with supervision, but never on a stream. Supervising adults consult with park personnel, local police, etc., to determine whether the ice is safe for skating.

Girls never ice-skate alone. Girls use the buddy system.

Girls may skate at night if the area is well lit.

Clothing allows freedom of movement. Several warm layers are recommended for outdoor skating, including hats and gloves or mittens. Bring a change of socks.

Girls receive instruction in selecting the proper skate size. Ice skates are properly fitted, securely laced, and properly tied.

Obtain council guidance in selecting the ice-skating site. Rinks are safest.

The rink has a smooth skating surface free of papers, candy wrappers, and other debris.

Skating surfaces are checked in advance for thickness, patches of grass, rocks, cracks, etc.

Appropriate rescue and first-aid equipment are on hand (for example, ring buoy, rope, throw bag, pole, ladder, boat).

A first-aider, Level 1, is present.

Outdoor Ice Skating

The first-aider is prepared to handle cases of near-drowning and immersion hypothermia.

Basic ice rescue techniques are understood and practiced.