Canadians participate in a wide range of physical and recreational activities, each with their own set of safety concerns. Canada Safety Council provides advice and safety tips on how to keep safe as you go about your active lifestyle.
Canadian weather has a way of tending to the extremes. Traditionally (and perhaps stereotypically), the country is associated with extreme cold, ice and wintery conditions. However, the summers can be just as intense and come with a unique set of circumstances that...
Camping, cottaging and meals on the barbecue are Canada's summertime passions. In addition, more and more Canadians travel by RV during the summer. Propane is the energy source that often powers these activities. It is versatile, economical and safe, and can be taken...
What could be more Canadian than roasting marshmallows, singing songs and socializing around an open fire in the evening? Follow this simple advice from the Canada Safety Council to help make sure everyone will have happy memories. If there is a fire pit use it, but...
There are about 10 million boaters in Canada. According to the Lifesaving Society, most fatal boating incidents occur during recreational activities (78 per cent). Half of the Canadian boating deaths occur on lakes (53 per cent) and almost all boating victims are male...
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are widely popular winter sports, but they can also be dangerous sports if safety precautions aren’t taken. According to the Canadian Ski Council report, 2007-2008 Canadian Skier and Snowboarder Facts and Stats, there are now over four...
Expect the Unexpected Before you set out, try to imagine what conditions you might face. How would you survive if something goes wrong? Even on a short trip, you might need to spend the night— and the weather could deteriorate. How would you get help if you become...
Starting out Make sure your child's bike and helmet are the right size. He or she should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground; a bike that is too big or too small is a safety hazard. As a minimum, your child's first bike should be equipped with a...
We Canadians pride ourselves on our ability to cope with our severe winters. But we forget that the cold can and does kill. The dangers become all too clear when there is a disaster, and unprepared people become stranded or fall into cold water. Hypothermia, sometimes...
Snowmobiling has become a very popular winter sport for Canadians. There are currently over 700,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada and over 125,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails. Every year people are injured and killed while participating in a pastime that should...
Outdoor physical activity can be healthy, fun and safe if you remain protected. Follow the Canada Sun Guide, created by Canada Safety Council and other partners, to help Canadians combine sun safety with outdoor activities. Minimize Sun Exposure Schedule outdoor...
Cycling is popular with Canadians of all ages. Many Canadian children 12 and under ride bikes. In addition, many adults ride bicycles to keep fit, for recreation and for transportation. Overall, bicycling is a safe and enjoyable activity for riders of all ages who...
Canada’s most universally accessible health and fitness facility is the great outdoors. Educating young people to be active in that environment promotes a healthy lifestyle. A few tragic field trip incidents have led some to believe that outdoor recreational outings...
An opinion piece written by Emile Therien, past president of the Canada Safety Council, and the father of former NHL defenceman Chris Therien. - January 2010 The never-ending incidents of on-ice thuggery are turning hockey into our most dangerous game. Horrible...
Bicycles 1. Make sure your bicycle is safe. Does it work properly? Check tires, brakes, etc. Does it fit properly? You should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground; a bike that is too big or too small is a safety hazard. Does it have a bell, a...
A playground should be a place where children can play and have fun, not a place where serious injuries occur. Some of these tragedies can be attributed to deliberate misuse of the equipment, poorly maintained equipment or having no parental supervision. Most injuries...