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Skiing & Snowboarding

Downhill skiing has evolved into a faster sport than it was in the past and snowboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years.

More and more skiers and boarders recognize the safety benefits of wearing a helmet.  It is no longer a rare sight to see people wearing helmets on the slopes. 

What you need to know:

• Upper limb injuries were most common in snowboarders and lower limb injuries were most common in skiers.
• Blows to the head are among the most devastating and lethal types of injury.
• Although head injuries are quite rare, an estimated 60% of skiing fatalities involve a head injury.
• Even if it is not fatal, such an injury can have lifelong consequences.
• Snowboarders were three times more likely to suffer a head injury than skiers.
• Parents must teach by example.  If they want their children to wear a helmet and ski or board safely, they should do the same.
• Never think you can take more risks because you are wearing a helmet.  A helmet does not make a speeding skier or hot-dogging boarder immune from disaster.
• Proper fitting of your winter sports helmet
• Your Responsibility Code

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Skiing

Downhill skiing remains a popular winter sport for all ages in Thunder Bay.  However, it brings with it some risk for injury.  Below are some tips to help lessen the chance of injury when you’re out on the slopes.

• Beginners should take lessons from a certified instructor.
• A ski helmet is recommended to prevent head injury in children and adults. 
• Skiers should follow the buddy system. Never ski alone.
• Always check children's ski equipment to make sure it is in good condition and fits properly.
• Bindings should be checked at least once a year by a qualified technician or ski shop.
• Bindings, boots and skis which do not fit properly or are not properly adjusted are a significant risk factor for young skiers.
• Do warm up exercises and stretches before each day's skiing.
• Stay on marked trails and follow other rules of the slopes.
• Choose runs or trails that best suit your ability. Before starting out, skiers should understand the signs used to indicate level of difficulty.
• Stay alert to hazards (such as rocks, trees, ice patches) and changes in weather and visibility.
• Dress against frostbite.  Be sure boots are not too tight, and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the reflection of the sun off the snow. Wear sunscreen to protect against sunburns.
• Quit before getting tired or it becomes dark outside.

(Safe Kids Canada, 2011)

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Snowboarding

Snowboarding is an extreme winter sport with a considerable risk for injury ranging from innocent little slips to high impact crashes. Beginning snowboarders are injured most often, even though they attempt less dangerous maneuvers than advanced snowboarders. The reason for this is that they haven't yet learned how to maintain a stable stance on the snowboard  and are thus more likely to lose balance and fall. In fact, nearly 25% of injuries occur during a snowboarder's first experience and almost one-half occur during the first season of snowboarding.

• Snowboarding requires its own set of skills.  Beginners should take lessons from a certified snowboard instructor.
• Snowboarders should follow all the safety tips for downhill skiers.
• Helmets are widely recommended for snowboarding.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than seven should not try snowboarding.
• Snowboarders should dress against frostbite and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the reflection of the sun off the snow.  They should also wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
• Only boards with full-length steel edges and stiff secure bindings should be used.  Children should use short boards (no more than chest high).
• Be especially careful on the first and last few runs of the day.  This is when injury is most common.
• Quit boarding before getting too tired or before it gets too dark.  Fatigue and poor visibility both lead to injury.
• Snowboarders should be aware that high speeds and aerial maneuvers carry a high risk for injury.
• Snowboarders should keep inside designated areas and follow other rules of the slopes.      
  (Safe Kids Canada, 2011)

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