Children’s safety during winter activities

There are many popular outdoor winter activities for people of all ages. Be safe! Wearing a helmet will ensure that these outdoor activities remain enjoyable and fun.

• Keep children warm. Dress your children in layers. Make sure their heads, necks and hands are covered. Watch for frostbite.
• Children can strangle on drawstrings or on scarves. Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf and remove any drawstrings on their clothes.
• On sunny days, put sunscreen on their skin.
• Check your children’s equipment to make sure that it fits and is in good condition.
• Be careful when playing near or skating on frozen water bodies, such as lakes, ponds and rivers, as the ice may not be strong enough to support a child or an adult. Ice should be smooth and at least 10 cm or 4 inches thick.
• Always have an adult supervise children playing near or skating on frozen water.
• Never skate or play near open water — this means the ice is thin or you are near a cracked surface.

When tobogganing or sledding:

• Children should wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
• Choose a hill that is away from roads, parking lots or water. There should be no rocks, trees, fences or other dangers in the path.
• Teach children to slide down the middle of the hill, climb up the side and watch up the hill to watch for any oncoming danger, such as other sliders.
• Teach them to move out of the way quickly when they get to the bottom.

When skating:

• Children should wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
• Children should skate in the same direction and at the same speed as the crowd.
• Skaters who cannot keep up with the crowd should move to the side.
• When children play hockey, they should only wear a CSA-certified helmet. Replace hockey helmets at least every five years or after a major impact.

When skiing or snowboarding:

• Make sure children wear the appropriate safety gear and equipment that is the appropriate size for them.
• Children should always wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
• Children should be supervised at all times when skiing and snowboarding.
• Advise children of ski area boundaries and ensure that they stay away from closed areas.

Inline Skating, Skateboarding and Biking

In-line skating, skateboarding and biking are popular activities. Be careful! These activities can lead to serious injuries to the head, arms and legs. Be smart, wear protective gear.

• Always supervise young children.
• Ensure all equipment is in good condition and fits properly.
• Children should always wear a helmet. Helmets should be replaced every two or three years, or after a major impact.
• Wrist guards will help to prevent injuries in the event of falls.
• Cuts, scrapes and bruises can be reduced by wearing elbow and knee pads.
• Teach children to choose a safe location, away from traffic, that has a smooth surface.
• Teach children how to stop and control speed. You can also check for training programs offered in your area.
• Teach children not to wear headphones when skating, skateboarding or biking to be able to hear the sounds around them safely.
• Do not let children skate, skateboard or bike at night or in wet conditions.
• Teach children to stay alert, to keep their eyes on the surface ahead, and to watch for other people, cars and hazards such as cracks and rocks.
• Teach children to respect others on the path.

Source: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/play-jeu-eng.php?source=toy_safety_14&medium=banner_en&campaign=hpfeaturebox