Safety tips for Family Day winter activities

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - If you are planning on enjoying the outdoors over the Family Day long weekend, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reminds you to play safely.

"Getting outside on a long weekend in winter is a great opportunity to be active as a family. But it's important to keep safety in mind. Many winter sports require safety equipment, a safe environment and proper supervision to reduce the risk of injury," says Ralph Palumbo, Vice President, Ontario, IBC.

Here are a few tips for safe winter play:

Equipment

• Wear a helmet that is approved by a recognized safety standards organization (such as CSA, ASTM, CPSC or SNELL) any time you are participating in winter sports such as skating, skiing, sledding or snowboarding. Choose a hockey or ski helmet for these activities.
• Skates should give firm ankle support and fit snugly. Ensure blades are sharp and free of rust.
• Check each family member's equipment to make sure that it is right for his or her size and skill level.
• Dress for winter weather in layers that are windproof and waterproof.
• Apply sunscreen to exposed skin and wear ski goggles or sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun.
• Use other recommended protective gear including face masks and mouth guards and protective padding, such as wrist, elbow and shin pads, shoulder pads and gloves as needed.

Environment
Skiing:

• Take children on the runs that are most appropriate for their abilities.
• Teach children to stay on marked runs and trails and to follow the other rules of the slopes.

Skating:

• The safest places to skate are ice surfaces that are monitored and maintained. If you plan to skate on a frozen lake, river or pond, check with local authorities for information on ice thickness and conditions.

Sledding:

• Never sled over ice-covered rivers, streams or ponds.
• Only sled in the daylight.

Supervision

• Children should never sled, ski, snowboard or skate alone. One of the best ways to supervise is to join in on the activity.
• Consider taking children to lessons where a trained professional will teach them proper techniques and safety measures.
• Always check ski runs to make sure they are clearly marked and free of obstructions.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Helen Lialias, Media Relations Officer, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]