Ice skating and ice hockey are popular activities. There are things you or your child can do to lower the risk of getting hurt while skating or playing ice hockey.
Make sure the ice is safe for skating or playing hockey- Before walking or skating on ice, check that the ice is smooth and at least 15 cm (6 in.) thick.
- If you’re having a skating party or playing games (including hockey), make sure the ice is at least 20 cm (8 in.) thick.
- Check for hazards like pebbles, rocks, and branches.
- Check that the ice is in good shape without any bumps or melting or slushy ice.
- Only skate on ice that is monitored and maintained.
- Don't let your child skate alone or skate anywhere that isn't safe.
- Always supervise your child or skate with them.
Learn how to skate or play hockey safely- Take hockey skills training (such as workshops or power skating classes) and skating lessons to learn how to stop, how to fall safely, and how to get up after a fall.
- Skate with your head up to prevent an injury, especially when you’re heading towards the boards.
- Warm up and stretch before you skate, practise, or play hockey. It’s also important to cool down and stretch afterwards. Stay in shape by doing strength, flexibility, and endurance training all year.
- Help your child learn to play hockey by the rules.
- Bodychecking is the main cause of injuries, like concussions, in hockey. The Canadian Paediatric Society says children shouldn’t play in leagues that allow bodychecking.
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Learn the signs of a concussion in case of a fall or crash on the ice. A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body.
Check your equipment and wear the right protective gear and clothing for skating or playing hockey
Check with local authorities (such as your city, township, or parks officials) for information on ice thickness. Obey signs on or near the ice. In spring weather, thick ice is not always safe. If you aren’t sure the ice is safe,
don’t go on it.
To stay safe on and near ice outdoors:- don't skate on community wet ponds
- don't skate where there is ice over running water
- don't walk on ice on or near moving water
- don't walk on ice when you are alone
- don't let your child play on or near ice unless a responsible adult is watching
If the ice cracks while you are on it:
- Call 911 for help.
- Lie down on the ice.
- Crawl or roll back to land.
If a person falls through the ice, push or throw something to them that they can use to get out of the water or float on until expert help arrives. Remember: reach, throw, but don't go. If you try to go on the ice to rescue someone, you can put yourself in danger.
Teach your child to call for help loudly and clearly if they’re in trouble or if they see someone else in trouble on the ice.
