ATV Safety

Ride Smart, Ride Safe

• ATV riders of every age should take a training course
• No drugs, no alcohol they impair your judgment and reaction time - it’s against the law!
• Perform a safety check on your ATV before each ride and know your operator’s manual
• Wear your helmet and proper eye protection and clothing
• Carry a cell phone and consider GPS equipment
• Carry a safety kit that includes flares, a flashlight, compass, blanket, matches and a sounding device
• Ride with others - never alone
• No passengers - they throw off your balance. Most ATVs are for one person - check your operators manual
• Be courteous to all you meet
• Respect riding area rules, preserve the environment, and keep noise levels low
• If you encounter horses on trails, move off to the side and turn off your engine

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Boating Safety

Top Summer Safety Tips

• Keep your head above water -  Wear your personal floatation device (PFD) at all times. Remember one size does not fit all! PFDs save lives.
• Stay afloat! Booze doesn't belong on the boat -  It's your responsibility to know the rules for boating safety. For more information, contact the Canadian Coast Guard Boating Safety Information Service at 1-800-267-6687.
• Remember, fishermen are boaters, too! -  Don't drink and fish - alcohol is linked to most boating and fishing fatalities.
• Don't swim when you have been drinking - Alcohol affects your swallowing and breathing reflexes making you more likely to drown.
• Mixing alcohol and waterskiing or windsurfing can be a real drowner - Alcohol slows down the reflexes and coordination that you need to safely catch the wave.
• Avoid heat stroke - In the hot weather drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates you and increases your risk of heat stroke.
• Don't rock the boat - Canoes and small boats tip easily, alcohol added to the mix impairs your balance, you could end up in the drink!

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Home Hosting Tips for a safe Party

You can reduce your risk and protect your guests by following these tips:

• Don't drink too much yourself!
• Don't plan physical activities like swimming or boating.
• Serve food. It is better to eat while drinking.
• Provide plenty of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks.
• Have a "Key Bag" to collect keys before the party starts.
• Serve drinks yourself instead of having an open bar.
• Find out how guests will be going home from your party.
• Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party is over.
• Be prepared for overnight guests.

Alcohol is part of our lifestyle.It is up to all of us to serve and use it responsibly!

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Summer Safety

Summer can be packed with fun activities. Get the most from the season by avoiding preventable injuries and conditions. Test your knowledge on summer safety

Sun safety:

Exposure to ultraviolet rays is the main cause of skin cancer. It can also cause tanning, sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage and a decrease in immune system response. Before going to the beach, the park or even the back-yard, take a few minutes to protect yourself and your family and still have fun under the sun. This advice applies to everyone regardless of your natural skin colour, your ethnicity or your age.

Food and drink:

Keep yourself and your family safe from food related illness by preparing healthy meals. Safe food practices can prevent food-borne illness. Learn additional barbecuing food safety tips.

House and yard:

Summer is a time for house cleaning, organizing garage sales, and spending time in the yard. Learn how to do it safely!

Outdoors:

During the summer months, we spend a lot of time outdoors. To protect your family, consider the following tips on mosquito and camping safety. Learn more about poison ivy.

Sports:

The summer brings with it many opportunities for sports and recreation. Get the most from these activities by taking precautions to reduce your risk of injury.

(Source: Health Canada)

Sun Safety

Did you know that about 1 in every 7 Canadians will get some form of skin cancer in their lifetime?

• Always wear sunscreen and at the very least an SPF 15. Reapply at least every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating, exercising, or toweling off.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun. To protect your skin from the strongest UV rays that damage your skin the most, avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take full precautions by seeking shade, covering up, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Contact your health care professional if you notice any skin changes or have questions about skin cancer.

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