Winter Safety
Winter is a time for outdoor FUN. 
Do your children know the risks?
In late fall, frost settles into the ground and the sand under playground equipment becomes hard and makes falls from equipment more dangerous.
Neighbourhood playgrounds are recommended for warm weather use only.
This winter, teach your children to SLIDE, SKATE, SKI, and SNOWBOARD safely in the snow and to stay away from playground equipment.
Review these general winter safety tips with your children:
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Pay attention to weather: Wear sunscreen & UV protective sunglasses on sunny days. Wear protective clothing against cold and wind chill.
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Never throw snow at other people. Snowballs can contain ice chunks and stones.
Don't bury anyone in snow, make tunnels, or play in snow banks at the road side. There is a risk of suffocation or the possibility of being swept up by a snowplow. -
Don't let children eat snow. Even white snow can contain air pollutants, soils, and animal feces.
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Educate your children about snowmobile laws, legislation and safe play on frozen lakes & rivers.
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When you're out sliding, skating, skiing or snowboarding this winter, teach and model the following safety behaviours' and rules to your family:
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Always wear a CSA approved helmet and wrist protection when skating, skiing, and snowboarding.
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Always check that your equipment is in good condition and fits properly.
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Do warm-up exercises/stretches before each activity.
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Check for hazards before you slide, ski, skate, or snowboard. Look for rocks, ice patches, trees, roads, and rivers. Always make sure you have plenty of room to stop at the bottom of a hill.
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Teach the basic skills or seek out a certified instructor if your child is a skiing/snowboarding beginner.
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Know your child's ability. Stay on trails and hills that are within their ability level.
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Don't wear scarves. They are a choking/strangulation hazard. Wear a neck warmer instead.
