Everyone enjoys recreation. It’s great to ride your bike, skateboard and do other fun stuff when the weather permits. But, all this fun has danger attached to it. The great thing is you can eliminate and prevent a lot of accidents by practicing basic safety precautions, no matter the type of sport or recreation your children want to be involved with.
Biking
Every child eventually learns to ride a bike. It’s a rite of passage almost as exciting as getting a driver’s license. It’s also almost as dangerous. Riding a bike is a great mode of transportation for children, as well as a great way to explore the neighborhood and do things with friends. But, used improperly it can be deadly.
Ensure that the bike is the right size for your child. Using a bike too small or too big can make falling more likely. In addition, all children (and adults) riding bikes should wear a helmet. Riding a bike without a helmet is a bad choice. Even professional bike riders have accidents that would kill them without a helmet.
Skateboarding and Skating
This is a fun sport that a lot of children and teenagers love to do. There is nothing wrong with being a skater, whether on a skateboard or the old-fashioned kind of skates. It’s great exercise and loads of fun. But, few are as careful as they should be.
Helmets should be worn at all time as well as appropriate protective gear such as knee and elbow pads. There are specific safety equipment you can purchase made for skateboarding. Be sure that you get the right kind that gives the skater freedom of movement.
Skiing and Snowboarding
These are fun sports to get involved in, especially if you live in an appropriate climate. But, there are very serious safety concerns to consider. As normal, children should have training, if not by a parent then by a professional to ensure that they ski safely. There are many concerns such as protective gear as well as preventing frost bite and other weather-related injury.
ATVs
Ensure that children always have adult supervision when using ATVs. They can be great fun but they are also very, very dangerous. Many pediatricians recommend against their use. Wear approved protective gear such as helmets and goggles. Everyone driving an ATV should wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, boots and gloves. Riding ATVs is limited to being driven off highway and hard surfaces.
Hiking and Climbing
Believe it or not, there are fewer injuries from climbing accidents than there are from ATV accidents. People take climbing more seriously, using the proper safety gear and professional help. This is mostly because a large percentage of the population is afraid of heights.
Hiking poses more risk than just climbing. The main thing is to use the right protective gear and wear the right clothing for the climate. Wear long pants and layers, and bring along provisions like water and protein bars. Also, don’t go alone.
Recreational activities are loads of fun, and they can remain fun if you use general precautions and are aware of the dangers. Always supervising children and teaching them the safe way to do things will keep your recreational activities fun.
