Holiday Fun but remember
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Many families are enjoying the Christmas break with hopefully some outdoor activities. Keeping active is one way to shed the excess “turkey pounds” we might have put on. Whether going for a walk, playing hockey, on some skis or a snowmobile ride, keep in mind that your actions have consequences. All things happen for a reason, and don’t let alcohol be the reason this season.
The Christmas season has been a cold one but with a little extra layer you can enjoy some outdoor fun. Dress for the weather from the top of your head to tips of your toes, a warm toque, good parka, warm mittens, long underwear and good boots will keep you warm. With high wind-chill values exposed skin can freeze in mere minutes, so remember to protect your face too!
Recently we’ve heard in the media several snowmobile incidents where in some cases the driver of the machine has failed to stop while crossing the road. Crossing any road whether that it be a back road or busy highway, means three things: Stop – get the visor up and look both ways. Listen – if you can hear through the thick helmet listen for any approaching traffic. Proceed – slowly safely and at all times yielding to any oncoming traffic. Many snowmobile operators say they’ve travelled this road countless times and never seen anyone, but all it takes in one collision to ruin your day! If you were born after January 1, 1989 and are a minimum of 12 years of age, you must take a snowmobile safety course to operate a snow machine on public land. You don’t need snow nor do you need to sit in a classroom to now to take the course. Visit www.sasksnow.com, the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Association and sign up now! It is just that easy! This course will give you all the information to ride safely, what to wear, rules of the road and more. Please take the time to take this on-line course today! Please do follow some basic rules when operating a snow mobile. Know the area and stay on the trails. Travel with a buddy and back along some basic safety equipment. Dress for the weather but most importantly wear an approved safety helmet at all times.
With the cold weather the toboggan hills have been a bit quiet, but with a bit warmer weather, many folks will head out for a slide. As simple as the action seems parents do not just drop your kids off at the toboggan hill and head somewhere to do errands. Supervision is key to ensuring some safety. Everything from a sleigh, to a tube to a piece of cardboard can be made into a toboggan but be sure it can be controlled and give plenty of safe stopping distance at the bottom of the hill. Skeleton might be an Olympic sport but it a dangerous way slide down the hill. Multisport helmets are available to lessen the degree of injury should a collision occur. A helmet in any sport will not prevent injury, but it will lessen the severity of the injury. Countless head injuries have been prevented by wearing a simple helmet.
