Each year, more than 11 million Americans, from young children to older adults, will go roller skating. This includes skating with:

  • Inline skates, which have 4 wheels aligned front to back like a blade
  • 2x2 wheel skates (also commonly referred to as "roller skates"), which have 2 wheels in front and 2 in back

Whether skating fast or standing still, you can get an injury — from fractures or dislocations to more serious injuries to the head, like concussion — if you do not follow the rules of the sport.

The key to remember is that many roller skating injuries are preventable if you follow these safety tips:

  • Learn the basic skills of the sport — especially how to stop properly — before venturing into traffic or onto a crowded path.
  • Wear a helmet, wrist protectors, and knee and elbow pads. Choose a helmet that is appropriate for skating. Make sure the pads fit properly so they don't slip out of place or fall off while you are skating.
  • Always put on protective gear before putting on your skates.
  • Perform warm-up exercises before and after skating.
  • Obey traffic signals, stay on the correct side of the road, be on the lookout for stopped cars, and don't weave in and out of lanes.
  • Avoid skating on crowded walkways.
  • Stay alert — watch out for curbs, potholes, rocks, broken glass, cracks in the pavement, open car doors, pedestrians (including people on bicycles, skates, skateboards, or scooters), animals, and other potential obstacles.
  • Don't walk your dog while skating — if the dog yanks the leash hard or suddenly takes off running, it will be harder to keep your balance, and you will be more likely to fall.
  • Don't wear headphones or ear buds while skating; you won't be able to hear if something is coming toward you or someone is trying to get your attention to warn you about an obstacle.
  • Do not skate on wet or icy surfaces.
  • Stay cool when it's hot outside. Skating may not seem like a strenuous sport, but it's easy to get overheated or dehydrated when skating in hot, humid weather. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after skating. Get more tips: Heat Injury and Heat Exhaustion

Skate boots must always fit properly. Here are some tips you can use when purchasing inline skates or 2x2 wheel skates:

  • Don't buy boots that put too much pressure on any area of your foot; the pressure can cause blisters.
  • Choose the boot size at the end of the day or after training, when feet will be at their largest.
  • For children whose feet are still growing, don't buy boots that they will "grow into." The boots should fit properly at the time your child wears them.
  • When selecting the size of the boot, wear the same type of sock that will be worn when skating.
  • Kick both feet into the back of the boots before buckling or lacing and skating.
  • Be certain the heel doesn't move up and down in the boot during skating.