Common sense and caution can minimize the risk of accidental injuries during outdoor activities.

frotsbite

hypothermia

personal flotation device (PFD)

Outdoor Recreation

Planning ahead can protect you from injury during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and winter sports.

The most important general rule for all outdoor activities is to plan ahead. Here are some specific ways to do just that:

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

Tips

Know your limits.

Bring supplies.

Plan for the weather.

Wear appropriate clothing.

Tell people your plans.

Camping and Hiking

Campingand Hiking

Tips

Camp with a group.

Stick to well-marked trails.

Be cautious around wildlife.

Take care with fires.

Respect the environment.

Winter Sports

Wear warm, layered clothing to protect you from frostbite (skin and tissue damage) and hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).

Winter Sports

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to all exposed skin.

Make sure you have a buddy with you to help out in an emergency.

Winter Sports

Proper clothing and equipment are two of the keys to outdoor winter safety.

Winter Sports

Sledding

Make sure your equipment is in good condition.

Choose gently sloped hills with plenty of space and a level area to come to a stop at the bottom.

Don’t sled on or near frozen lakes, because the ice may not be solid.

Winter Sports

Ice Skating

Skate only in designated areas.

Never skate where you don’t know the thickness of the ice.

Wear skates that fit comfortably and support your ankles.

Winter Sports

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowmobiling

Wear an approved, properly fitting ski helmet.

Make sure that your other equipment, such as your snowmobile, boots, and bindings, are in good condition.

Stick to marked trails that are appropriatefor your level of ability.

Winter Sports

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowmobiling

Look both ways and uphill before crossing or merging onto a trail.

When heading downhill, give the people ahead of you the right of way.

If you need to stop, get to the side of the trail, out of the path of others.

Water Safety

Following safety precautions can prevent drowning and other water-related injuries.

Although most drowning incidents involve young children, people of all age groups need to pay attention to water safety guidelines.

Swimming and Diving

Know how to swim.

Know your limits as a swimmer.

If you’re just learning, stick to shallow areas where your feet can touch the bottom.

If you are a strong swimmer, keep an eye on friends who aren’t as skilled as you are.

Swimming and Diving

Never swim alone.

Swim only in designated areas where a lifeguard is present.

Obey “No Swimming” and “No Diving” signs.

Dive only into water that you know is deep enough.

Boating

Make sure the person handling the boat is experienced.

 

Never get into a boat with an operator who has been using alcohol or other drugs.

Boating

Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when you go out in a boat.

Personal flotation device (PFD)Life jacket

Boating

Plan ahead and check weather reports. If a storm is predicted, do not go out onto the water.

 

If you are already on the boat, head back to shore immediately.

Boating

Make sure someone on land knows where you are and when you expect to be back.

Because the water is likely to be cold, dress in layers and choose synthetic fabrics that will wick moisture away from your body.

Boating

Know your limits when canoeing or kayaking and don’t attempt rivers or rapids that are beyond your abilities.

 

Make sure you know how to handle a boat properly and recognize river hazards before heading out on the water.

Boating

The same safety rules that apply to boating also apply to personal watercraft.

 

In some states there is an age limit for operating personal watercraft devices or a test you have to pass before you can use one.

Preventing Drowning

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

Sample answer: Take plenty of safe water with you. Plan for the weather. Wear appropriate clothing.

1. Identify three strategies for preventing accidental injuries while hiking or camping.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

2. List three general safety guidelines for participating in winter sports.

Wear warm clothing, apply sunscreen, bring a friend along.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

3. What is the main safety rule for diving?

Dive only into water that you know is deep enough.