In-line Skating Safety

When you head for the pavement this summer... Plan-it Safe, and remember…

Don't Use Your Brains for Brakes!

In-line skating is a fun recreational activity that can involve the entire family and its popularity has been climbing steadily since 1990. In-line skating offers an excellent cardiovascular workout and helps develop balance and coordination. In-line skates have three to five narrow wheels lined up in a row that allows for a smooth and fast ride.

Approximately one million Canadians are in-line skating and the numbers continue to grow. As the number of people in-line skating has increased, so have the number of injuries resulting from this activity. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has seen a steady rise in the number of children and youth treated for in-line skating injuries. From 1998 to 2002, 397 children and youth were seen for in-line skating injuries at CHEO. In addition to those children seen in CHEO and other local hospitals, many in-line injuries are treated in doctors' offices and walk-in clinics.

One of the most common in-line skating related injuries are broken arms and wrists. Skaters often try and break their fall by extending their arms to the front, side or behind them. Injuries to the head and legs also commonly occur. Most in-line skating injuries are preventable. The following tips will help you keep you safe while you get fit and have fun on your in-line skates.

Skating Tips

• Take lessons to learn how to skate, stop and fall safely. Your local municipal recreation department or sporting goods retailer should offer lessons.
• Always wear protective gear every time you skate, including a helmet, elbow and kneepads, light gloves, and wrist guards. Wear long-sleeved shirts to prevent scrapes and cuts.
• Begin skating with a five-minute, slow skate to warm up; you will be less likely to tear muscles.
• First-time skaters should practice on a soft lawn or gym mat. Practice moving forwards, and ease into skating.
• Choose good-quality skates that fit your feet properly. Using loose skates will not provide adequate ankle support and control.
• Before using any trail, achieve a basic skating level, including the ability to turn, control speed, brake on a downhill, and recognize and avoid skating obstacles.
• Be conscious of others: skaters, pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists frequently use the same areas. Use caution when skating around others.
• Skate on the right side of sidewalks, bike paths and trails. Pass on the left as cars do, after yelling "passing on the left". Don't pass without warning.

It is dangerous to skate in the street. In densely populated areas, be especially watchful for cars and other traffic when crossing roads and streets. Look left-right-left and cross when it is safe to do so. Remember that you must obey all traffic regulations.

For more information contact Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.