A public launch to raise awareness of safe tobogganing practices Many injuries in youth are related to recreational activities. The Safe Community Coalition promotes a safe and active lifestyle through its Youth Recreation Safety programming.
In-Line Skating Safety
The Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with St John Ambulance and LEARN, will be training local young adults as in line skating safety instructors. We plan to offer instruction in safe in-line skating to young children in southeastern Alberta.
The goal of this project is to reduce injuries on the toboggan hill by 30% by advocating the use of helmets. Serious tobogganing related injuries in children have caused great distress and concern in our community. No serious injuries were reported during or since the implementation of this project. The Toboggan Safety Working Group used five strategies to increase awareness and toboggan safety, and decrease injuries. They were:
A public launch to raise awareness of safe tobogganing practices
Helmet promotions and loans: Helmets are available on loan year round at the Red Cross and at the toboggan hill during the winter months.
School presentations: The program reached out to 20 schools and about 2000 students.
Media coverage (including a commercial) and public displays
Youth Focus Groups
Focus groups help the Safe Community Coalition to understand the attitudes of youth towards injury and injury prevention. This knowledge can be used as a guide in designing appropriate and effective safety programming.
