Skateboarding, in-line skating (rollerblading), and riding a scooter are great ways to get around and be active. But to do them safely, you need good balance, control, strength, and judgement.
Many youth don’t yet have the skills to react quickly to danger. This puts youth at higher risk of injuries, like a broken arm or a
concussion, during these activities.
Use these strategies to lower your risk of injuries when skateboarding, in-line skating, or riding a scooter.
Use protective gear and check your equipment
- Check your skateboard, in-line skates, and scooter to make sure all the parts are working.
- Wear the right helmet for the activity. Some multi-sport helmets meet safety standards for more than one activity. There are also helmets just for skateboarding. Choose a helmet that covers the back of your head and protects against more than one impact.
- Because falls will happen, it’s also important to wear other protective gear like wrist guards and elbow and knee pads. They can help prevent broken bones and sprains, and make a new activity more fun to learn and practice.
o Don’t wear wrist guards while scootering as it may
interfere with controlling the scooter.
Learn and practice
- Think about your abilities and don’t do anything too advanced without training or practice.
- Take lessons to learn how to ride, stop, and fall safely. Call a local skateboard store or your local recreation centre to see if they offer lessons.
- Practice balance and coordination before trying complicated tricks.
- If you lose your balance and are about to fall, crouch down and try to land on the fleshy parts of your body and roll instead of absorbing the force with your arms.
Pay attention to the risks around you
- Check for anything dangerous in the area where you are riding or skating.
- Pay attention to traffic.
- Avoid skating or riding your scooter on city streets, busy public sidewalks, and parking lots.
- Don’t skate or ride your scooter in the dark or wet weather. Wet or cold weather can make surfaces slippery or hard to ride on.
- Don’t get towed by bikes or motor vehicles.
- Don’t go too fast if you’re not experienced, or in wet or slippery conditions.
Skating or riding a scooter with children
If you’re with children, watch out for them. Stay where you can see, hear, and reach them and pay close attention to what they’re doing.
Lead by example to show children how to be safe. Teach them safety rules and make sure they follow them.
