With summer fast approaching, many families and children are ready to lace up their inline skates and take to the recreational trails and sidewalks to enjoy this popular activity.  

Families may also be participating in this activity as part of a 

Many parks  are also installing in-line/skate board parks and recreation paths for families to enjoy while on holiday.

We offer some insight into the injuries that most commonly occur from this activity and who is most commonly injured. This information may help reinforce the need for reviewing safety concerns, especially with the higher risk group of 10-14 year old boys.

The highest rate of injury in this sport occurs to children ages 10-14, and in particular boys, in-line skating in the summer between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm.

• Check all equipment before skating to ensure the wheels are in good shape, secure and skates are the proper size.

• SKATE IN CONTROL.  Losing Control is the cause of over half of inline skating injuries.
• Use full protective equipment and Don't Forget the Helmet - See Bike and Bike Helmet Safety for fitting instructions for helmets and Tips From Safe Kids Canada to Encourage Children to Wear Helmets. Approximately 80% of injured skaters were not wearing safety gear. Protective gear should include an approved helmet, wrist guards, gloves, knee and elbow pads and protective clothing including long sleeves and long pants. While it may be costly purchasing all the equipment, if it reduces the severity of an injury, the cost is well worth it. 1/3 of injuries occur to the hands and arms.
• Take lessons. As in any sport that involves an element of risk, learning the proper way in line skate can greatly increase the pleasure of participating and reduce the risk of injury.
• Skate in roller rinks, parks, playgrounds and recreational paths.  Roads and Sidewalks are the site of over half of all injuries. Watch for potholes, cracks and other obstacles. 
• Be wary of weather hazards. Skate on dry surfaces free of wet leaves or ice.
• Never Skate in traffic.
• Never Skate at night time and be extra careful during dusk hours as hazards are more difficult to see.
• Avoid skating in enclosed small spaces where obstacles can cause injury.
• Be extra careful near stairs and steps.
• Avoid inclines, ramps and hills if inexperienced.
• Don=t get towed by cars, bikes, dogs or people.
• Make sure children have sufficient strength and co-ordination before skating and have learned how to skate safely.  
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often - Click here to see Sun Safety Tips.

 All tips are offered as suggestions only.  While we have tried to provide you with a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t think of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s safety.

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Tips From Safe Kids Canada to Encourage Children to Wear Helmets

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