Fairfield-Echo.com

(HealthDay News) -- Ice skating is a fun winter activity, but it can lead to injury. To help protect yourself on the ice, follow these suggestions from Safe Kids USA:

• Never skate without a helmet, especially if playing hockey.
• Wear protective knee and elbow pads, mouth guards, and shin guards if playing hockey.
• Never skate on ice that hasn't been approved by local authorities. Only skate on public lakes or rinks that are determined safe for skating.
• Learn how to protect yourself in case the ice does break. If you fall through into the water, stretch your arms out to your sides, kick, and try to crawl back onto the ice while shouting for help.