Recreational Summer Activities & Associated Injuries

Summertime is a great opportunity to get active and have some fun, but there are some activities that are more dangerous than others.

According to research, the most dangerous recreational activities are bicycling, skateboarding, and diving (we’ll cover both types of diving).

Injuries can occur from simple falls or collisions with other people or objects.

Be sure to take precautions when participating in any of these activities to minimize your risk of injury.

Cycling

Bicycling is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself while bicycling. Make sure the helmet fits properly and is fastened securely.

Choose a route that is safe and avoid busy streets if possible. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards. Obey all traffic laws and signals, and use hand signals to communicate with other cyclists and motorists.

Ride at a pace that is comfortable for you and be prepared to stop if necessary. If you are bicycling at night, wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible. Taking these simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while bicycling.

Skateboarding

There are many ways to enjoy skateboarding, but it’s important to stay safe while doing it.

Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of injury:

Wear the proper safety gear. This includes a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards.

Choose the right board. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose a smaller board that’s easy to maneuver. You can also ask a salesperson for help picking out the right one.

Warm-up before you skate. Just like with any other physical activity, stretching or doing light exercises beforehand can help prevent injuries.

Start slow. Don’t try any complicated tricks right away. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can gradually start attempting more difficult moves.

Practice regularly. The more you skate, the better your balance and coordination will become. This can help reduce your risk of falling and getting hurt.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying skateboarding safely!

Diving (Underwater)

Diving can be a dangerous sport if the proper precautions are not taken. The most common injuries occur when divers surface too quickly, causing the sudden change in pressure to tear blood vessels and damage tissues. This can lead to joint pain, paralysis, and even death.

To minimize the risk of injury, divers should always ascend slowly and stop periodically to equalize the pressure in their ears. They should also avoid diving into cold water, as this can increase the risk of cramps and other muscle problems.

Finally, divers should wear appropriate clothing and equipment to protect themselves from the elements and reduce the risk of entrapment. By taking these precautions, divers can minimize their risk of injury, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Diving (Into Water)

Diving can be a dangerous activity if the proper precautions are not taken. To minimize the risk of injury, always check the depth of the water before diving and make sure there are no obstacles in the way.

It is also important to warm up properly before diving to avoid pulled muscles. When diving into water, keep your body as straight as possible and tuck your chin to your chest to ensure that you enter the water head first.

Excessive twisting or somersaulting can increase the risk of spinal cord injuries. If you are diving from a height, make sure to land feet first in order to absorb the impact of the landing. Diving can be a safe and enjoyable activity with proper care and preparation.

Have A Safe Summer

While summertime is a great opportunity to get active and have some fun, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with certain activities. Injuries can occur from simple falls or collisions with other people or objects. Be sure to take precautions when participating in any of these activities to minimize your risk of injury.

If you do suffer an injury while participating in one of these activities, don’t hesitate to contact us for help getting back on your feet. We want you to enjoy your summer safely!