Ice skating rinks make the fun of ice skating available in many cities year-round. Although skating in a rink doesn't require you to examine the ice as closely as skating outdoors, rinks present their own risks. Following safety rules while you're on the ice rink can prevent injury to yourself or to other skaters. Remember that in most rinks, you are responsible for your own safety.
Entering and Exiting the Rink
Always wear ice skates when entering a rink, as the dirt from your shoes can damage both the ice and the blades of other skaters. If you are stepping onto the ice immediately after it's been resurfaced, wait until the resurfacing is over and the doors have closed behind the resurfacing machine. When you're getting onto or off the ice, always try to avoid blocking the doorway. Leave the rink promptly when the skating session is over.
While Skating
Always skate in the direction of traffic, which is usually counter-clockwise but which may change midway through a skating session. Don't skate faster than you can control; if you are a new skater, skate close to the boards at the side of the rink, so you can stay out of the way of other skaters and also so you can slow or stop quickly if necessary. Keep an eye on the skaters ahead of you, who may not be able to see you coming.
Sports
Never shoot or play with hockey pucks during a skating session, as other skaters may not see the puck coming or be able to get out of the way, and they may fall. If you plan to practice figure skating jumps or spins, use the center of the rink. Do not practice jumps during a crowded session. Avoid practicing camel spins, back spirals or any other figure skating move where your blade is exposed. A novice skater may run into your blade accidentally.
Groups
Avoid skating in groups of more than two people. Never hold hands with more than one other person; creating chains of skaters may be fun, but it is dangerous to new skaters in the chain and to other people on the rink. Never carry another person, especially a child; if you lose your balance or are bumped, both of you may be injured.
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