5 safety tips for winter sports lovers

Winter sports are undoubtedly an important aspect of being a Canadian. It's important to point out, though, that many of these sporting activities include greater risks of harm than their summertime counterparts. Because of the risks associated with many popular winter sports, it's important to take additional safety measures. The following five safety tips will help reduce your chance of injury while playing winter sports.

• The Canadian Ski Patrol states that the leading cause of death and disability in Canadians while engaged in certain winter sports is brain injury.
• Many winter sports, including snowboarding and skiing, are performed at high speeds and can be dangerous.
• One mistake could result in a serious head injury that irreparably changes a person's life.
• Always wear a helmet.

• While this sounds like a rule to follow while enjoying sports during warmer months, the rule holds true for winter sports as well.
• Simply breathing cold air into one's lungs can cause dehydration.
• Severe dehydration can result in fatigue and loss of consciousness.
• Always have a full water bottle on hand and drink from it at regular intervals.

• Ignoring common sense rules is a quick way to get hurt while playing winter sports.
• Stopping at a point where you're not easily seen or obstructing a trail, for instance, can cause injuries to you and others on the slopes.
• Staying off of closed trails is another common sense safety tip.
• Finally, wearing appropriate equipment, such as mouth guards and safety glasses for hockey, is essential to staying safe during winter sporting.

• Whether ice skating, snowboarding or skiing, it's important to know how to fall properly.
• Trying to stay on one's feet when a fall is imminent can actually result in more serious injuries than the fall itself.
• Everyone is going to take tumbles when engaged in winter sports, but learning to fall safely can go a long way in helping a person prevent injuries.

• Whether snowshoeing or skiing, going into areas that aren't marked presents a new set of dangers.
• When heading off into these unknown areas, it's imperative to have a compass and a map.
• It's also important to investigate the area before heading out.
• Keep an eye on daylight and always pack appropriately for the task at hand.
• Finally, tell a friend where you'll be and when you should be expected home, even when travelling in a group.