Summer is an excellent time to
enjoy life! Make sure you have a terrific time - be ‘smart’ about the things you do. SMARTRISK’s injury
prevention credo is that ‘life is about taking risks.’ Smart risk means choosing to BUCKLE UP, DRIVE SOBER, LOOK FIRST, WEAR THE GEAR,
and GET TRAINED. These five principles will help you manage your summer activities and minimize your summer risks.
We each have a line of choice that separates smart risk from stupid risk. It’s called The
Stupid Line. This article and the featured resources will help you know where you should draw your stupid line in planning your on-land
and water summer activities.
Regardless of where you’re hanging out, remember that as the temperature rises, it’s important to recognize the potential risks that
come with hot weather. Visit the Farm Safety
Association web site for tips on handling the heat. While their web site is directed toward farm workers, the information applies to all
summer fun.
Nothing like a cold beer to quench your summer thirst, right? Not! Alcohol
dehydrates you. In addition, the effects of alcohol are intensified when combined
with sun, wind exposure, fatigue, and the motion of a boat. The Office of Boating
Safety of Transport Canada reports that more than 40% of recreational boating
fatalities in Canada are alcohol related. Check out their web site for more
information: Transport
Canada, Safe Boating Guide - TP 511.
With the combined effects of heat and alcohol DRIVING SOBER takes on
new meaning during the summer. Remember to BUCKLE UP by always wearing
your seatbelt! Driving under the influence of alcohol definitely means that
you have crossed The
Stupid Line. Although DRIVING SOBER is not only a problem for youth,
the P.A.R.T.Y.
(Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program allows teens
to follow a vehicle crash injury survivor in hospital in order to understand
risks associated with alcohol. For more information about P.A.R.T.Y.
contact info@smartrisk.ca.
Activities on Land:
Cycling – WEAR THE GEAR and GET TRAINED
Your bicycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment you need
to enjoy yourself. The Ontario Brain Injury Association reports that over 60
children die in bike accidents each year, and most of these fatalities are the
result of brain injury. The Think First Foundation further reports that the
risk of brain injury is increased by 85% for those choosing not to wear a helmet.
Choosing to wear your helmet may protect you from acquiring a brain injury that
can affect you for the rest of your life! Visit the Ontario
Brain Injury Association and ThinkFirst
Foundation of Canada web sites. It may help you decide where to draw your
Stupid
Line.
It’s never too late to learn how to ride. Check out ‘Safe
Cycling is Not Just for Kids’ at the Canada Safety Council web site. Many municipalities have web sites with tips for managing cycling
risks. Check out your city’s web site or surf the great cycling resources with the City
of Toronto – ‘Cycling in Toronto’ and the City
of Vancouver.
In-line skating and skateboarding – WEAR THE GEAR and GET TRAINED
First the bad news. Did you know that 60% of in-line skating injuries happen to kids between 10 and 14 and that 66% of those injured are
? Also, more in-line skating head injuries occur in children under 10 years of age. For full details on injuries related to in-line skating
refer to the Public
Health Agency of Canada.
Now the good news! These injuries can be prevented by WEARING THE GEAR,
like a helmet, wrist guards, knee/elbow pads and gloves. Most injuries are a
result of falling over potholes, grates, and speed bumps, so LOOKING FIRST
and choosing where to in-line skate or skateboard should be considered when
drawing your Stupid
Line. Finally, GET TRAINED by a professional to learn proper techniques,
like STOPPING! The
Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine has the scoop on in-line skating. Check
it out!
Camping and Hiking – LOOK FIRST and WEAR THE GEAR
What is summer without fun in the country or at a park? Health
Canada provides tips for the camper. If you're planning on getting some
exercise or simply enjoying nature through hiking, consult a guide or expert
to map your trails. For more tips read 'Safety in the Great Outdoors’ at the
Canada
Safety Council and the information at the Parks
Canada web site.
Activities on Water:
LOOK FIRST – Water Levels Dangerously Low
The Red Cross and Royal Lifesaving Society report over 200 boating deaths a year. Don’t become this year’s statistic! Boaters should
beware of rocks close to the water’s surface and divers should not assume the water is as deep as it was the previous year. LOOK
FIRST before you dive. Boaters can LOOK FIRST by getting water level information through the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
Check their web site for contact information. If you are in the Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence River area you can consult Environment Canada’s newsletter Level
News.
The Transport Canada web site features the Safe
Boating Guide to help you manage your summer risks. GET TRAINED by
taking a Boating
Safety Accredited Course through Transport Canada.
WEAR THE GEAR – Always Wear a Life Jacket When On a Boat
Planning on making a big splash this summer? Health
Canada provides some tips on swimming safety for home pool owners, recreational
pool swimmers, and those who swim in fresh or salt water.
Kwiz Korner
Test your summer risk management knowledge on heat stress, driving, children’s safety and more at the
Canada Safety
Council’s Kwiz Korner.
Where will you draw your Stupid Line this summer?
BUCKLE UP, DRIVE SOBER, LOOK FIRST, WEAR THE GEAR, and GET TRAINED — it's your choice! Have a cool summer!
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This article was prepared by 
