Skating Safety

With all the benefits of ice-related sports, people sometimes forget about the risks of injury from falling onto the hard ice surface or crashing into the boards. We are all at risk of losing our balance or unintentionally colliding with another skater, but children are especially vulnerable since they have a limited ability to assess the risk involved and their coordination, reaction time, balance and gross motor skills are still developing. So, when you take to the ice this winter think safety.

Things to do:

• Beginners should wear a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified helmet that fits properly.
• It should be snug yet comfortable.
• Hockey helmets are recommended over cycling helmets because they can protect your head against more than one crash.
• Choose proper fitting skates that give you good support around your ankles. Local sport stores should be able to help you with a proper fit.
• The Canadian Figure Skating Association recommends sharpening your skates after 30 hours of skating.
• Lace your skates all the way up. Never wrap the laces around your ankle.
• If the laces are too long, tie them in a double knot so you won’t trip over them.
• Wear one pair of socks. Two or more pairs will make you feel colder and your skates may be too tight.
• Wear proper clothing. Gloves, scarves (tucked in), hats, helmet, waterproof jacket and long underwear, and sweaters should do the trick.
• Skate only on a surface that is free of bumps and cracks. You will be in greater control and have an easier time stopping.
• If you are in Ottawa, and skating on the Rideau Canal, look for the green flags to make sure the ice conditions are safe.
• Watch where you are going, and always skate with the traffic. If you want to stop, head to the side so you won’t get in anyone’s way.
• Take a lesson. Instructors will be able to teach you how to stop, how to fall safely, and how to get up after a fall.

Things to avoid:

• Skating on the canal when the red flags are flying (poor ice conditions).
• Skating too fast - this puts you and those around you at risk.
• Playing hockey or other sports unless in a designated area.
• Holding on to more then one person - this increases your chance of falling and hurting someone else.
• Placing sharp items in your pockets (i.e., keys, combs, etc.). They can poke you if you fall.
• Using your toe-pick to start or stop. This will ruin the ice surface, and it won’t give the stability you need to safely start or stop.
• Chewing gum. You may choke on it if you fall.
• Clothing with a drawstring.
• Wearing jeans, as they will not keep you warm and dry if they get wet.

For more info…