The winter season is great for certain sports, but with those activities comes the risk of injuries for youth and children.
Each year, B.C. Children's Hospital emergency department sees hundreds of youngsters for injuries sustained during activities like skating, skiing, snowboarding and tobagganing.
Between December and February last year, the B.C. Ambulance Service responded to about 600 calls from recreation spots for those 18 and younger - of that number, 550 were for traumatic injuries and falls.
But families shouldn't be afraid to take part in winter fun. Becoming familiar with a variety of safety tips can go a long way in keeping children safe:
? Kids need to wear the right and appropriately-sized protective equipment when participating in any winter sport.
? Choose the right type of helmet and ensure it is CSA approved. For skiing or snowboarding, use a ski or snowboard helmet. For ice hockey or ice skating, use an ice hockey helmet. A ski, hockey or bike helmet should be worn for tobogganing.
? Make sure kids learning a new activity get proper instruction and stay within their individual skill level. Ensure kids get enough practice before trying to move on to an advanced skill level.
? For sports that involve going downhill, make sure kids know how to control their speed and stop properly, especially if they are just learning or have not mastered certain skills.
? When picking a slope for tobogganing, make sure it is away from roads and free from obstacles like rocks, trees, and fences. Younger children should always be supervised by an adult. Never ride on a sled that is being pulled by anything motorized.
? Know the environment and the surrounding area where kids are going to be in when playing sports.
? Parents and caregivers should learn first aid to know how to care for an injured child. More information is available from HealthLink B.C. at www.healthlinkbc.ca.
