Recreation & Sport

Key Points

  • Helmets reduce the risk of serious head injuries in biking, scootering, skiing, and sledding.
  • Playgrounds should be well-maintained, with soft ground surfaces and safe equipment.
  • Sled and toboggan in safe, open areas away from roads, trees, and fences.
  • Always match the activity to your skill level - use the right gear, and follow the rules.
  • Always supervise kids when they are on a trampoline.

Why Recreation & Sport Injuries Matter.

Sports and outdoor play are great for health, fun, and learning - but they also come with risks. Every year in Canada, thousands of children and youth are treated in emergency departments for injuries from recreational activities. Many of these injuries are serious, and some can be life-changing.

  • Playing on playground equipment that is damaged, or where the ground is too hard, can lead to falls and broken bones. Children aged 5 to 9 are most commonly injured on public playgrounds, often due to falls from equipment.
  • Cycling and scootering injuries often involve head trauma, especially without helmets.
  • Slope sports like skiing and snowboarding can result in injuries ranging from sprains to fractures and head injuries, especially when safety guidelines aren't followed.
  • Sledding and tobogganing are popular winter activities that can lead to injuries, commonly from collisions.
  • Trampoline use, especially when unsupervised, comes with very high risk of injuries such as broken bones, head and neck trauma, sprains, and in some cases can lead to permanent disability.

With simple prevention strategies and the right gear, most of these injuries can be avoided.

Children aged 10 to 14 are at the highest risk of serious injury from sports and recreational activities.2

Most injuries happen when gear is missing, poor-fitting, or not used properly.

Recreation & Sport Injuries: By the Numbers

5,600+

SLEDDING / TOBOGGANING INJURIES (2010-2019)

40%

OF TOBOGGAN INJURIES ARE COLLISIONS

70%+

CYCLING DEATHS INVOLVE HEAD INJURY

1,605

TRAMPOLINE ED VISITS (2021)

Preventing Injuries in Recreation & Sport.

Here’s how to enjoy outdoor fun while staying safe.

1. Playgrounds

  1. Check that the surface under equipment is soft — like mulch, rubber, or sand.
  2. Avoid playgrounds with broken or rusted equipment.
  3. Supervise young children at all times.
  4. Remove drawstrings or scarves that could catch on equipment.
  5. Teach kids how to take turns and play safely.

2. Bicycles & Scooters

  1. Always wear a helmet that fits snugly and is certified.
  2. Use bright clothing, reflectors, and lights to be seen by drivers.
  3. Ride on bike paths or quiet streets when possible.
  4. Obey traffic rules, and watch for cars at driveways and intersections.
  5. Don’t double up - one rider per scooter or bike unless it is designed for two.

3. Slope Sports (Skiing & Snowboarding)

  1. Wear a properly fitted helmet designed for snow sports.
  2. Make sure bindings and gear are in good shape and fit your body.
  3. Stay on marked trails that match your skill level.
  4. Take lessons from a certified instructor if you’re a beginner.
  5. Stop only in safe, visible spots - not below hills or jumps.

4. Sledding & Tobogganing

  1. Choose hills that are clear of trees, fences, rocks, roads, and water.
  2. Always sit or kneel facing forward - never go headfirst.
  3. Use sleds with steering and brakes when possible.
  4. Avoid sledding at night or in low visibility.
  5. Adults should supervise children and help choose safe sledding spots.

5. Trampolines

  1. Avoid using trampolines at home; they are not recommended for recreational purposes.
  2. If used, ensure constant adult supervision and allow only one jumper at a time.
  3. Note that safety nets and padding do not eliminate injury risks.

Resources.

IPC Resources:

External Resources:

Get social.

Use these hashtags on social media to discuss this issue.

#WearTheGear #PlaySafe

Updated 30 July, 2025.

References

1 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/injprev/Page4860.aspx

2 https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2052-1847-5-30

These Lands.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway / Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

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