Skating Can Be Fun

If You Plan-it Safe

To help minimize the risk of preventable injuries "Plan-It Safe" at CHEO and the Ottawa Public Health have prepared this list of tips on how to skate safely.

So remember, Don't use your brains for brakes!

Safe Skating Tips:

• Wear the gear! Wearing a CSA (Canadian Standards Association), Snell or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved helmet, that fits properly, will help prevent head injuries. It should be snug yet comfortable. Hockey helmets are recommended over cycling helmets because they withstand multiple impacts. Wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads help prevent wrist fractures, and bruises on knees and elbows.
• Choose proper fitting skates that give you good support around your ankles (moulded skates are not recommended). Local sport stores should be able to help you with a proper fit (re-sharpen after approximately 30 hours of skating as recommended by Skate Canada).
• Lace your skates all the way up. You should 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 only one pair of socks. Multiple pairs will make you feel colder and your skates might be too tight.
• Wear proper clothing: gloves, neck warmer, helmet, waterproof jacket and pants (NO jeans, as they will not keep you warm and dry if they get wet), long underwear, and a sweater should do the trick.
• Get trained! Take a lesson. Instructors will be able to teach you the basics of skating, such as how to stop, how to fall safely, and how to get up after a fall.
• Choose a surface that is relatively free of bumps and cracks to allow for more control and an easier time stopping. If skating on the Rideau Canal, watch for the green flags to ensure the conditions are safe. (For information on canal conditions: 613-239-5234).
• 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.

Avoid

• Skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway when the red flags are flying.
• Skating too fast - this puts you and those around you at risk.
• Playing sports unless in a designated area (for example, hockey).
• Holding on to more then one person - this increases your chance of falling and hurting someone else.
• Placing sharp items in your pockets (ie. keys, combs, etc.).
• 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), or removing bottom pick (designed to help you balance).
• Chewing gum, as it may put you at risk of choking if you fall.
• Clothing with drawstrings.