Common sense and caution can minimize the risk of accidental injuries during outdoor activities.

frotsbite hypothermia personal flotation device (PFD)

Outdoor Recreation Planning ahead can protect you from injury during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and winter sports. The most important general rule for all outdoor activities is to plan ahead. Here are some specific ways to do just that:

Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation Tips Know your limits. Bring supplies. Plan for the weather. Wear appropriate clothing. Tell people your plans.

Camping and Hiking Tips Camp with a group. Stick to well- marked trails. Be cautious around wildlife. Take care with fires. Respect the environment.

Winter Sports Wear warm, layered clothing to protect you from frostbite (skin and tissue damage) and hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).

Winter Sports Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to all exposed skin. Make sure you have a buddy with you to help out in an emergency.

Winter Sports Proper clothing and equipment are two of the keys to outdoor winter safety.

Winter Sports Sledding Make sure your equipment is in good condition. Choose gently sloped hills with plenty of space and a level area to come to a stop at the bottom. Don’t sled on or near frozen lakes, because the ice may not be solid.

Winter Sports Ice Skating Skate only in designated areas. Never skate where you don’t know the thickness of the ice. Wear skates that fit comfortably and support your ankles.

Winter Sports Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowmobiling Wear an approved, properly fitting ski helmet. Make sure that your other equipment, such as your snowmobile, boots, and bindings, are in good condition. Stick to marked trails that are appropriate for your level of ability.

Winter Sports Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowmobiling Look both ways and uphill before crossing or merging onto a trail. When heading downhill, give the people ahead of you the right of way. If you need to stop, get to the side of the trail, out of the path of others.

Water Safety Following safety precautions can prevent drowning and other water-related injuries. Although most drowning incidents involve young children, people of all age groups need to pay attention to water safety guidelines.

Swimming and Diving  Know how to swim. Know your limits as a swimmer. If you’re just learning, stick to shallow areas where your feet can touch the bottom. If you are a strong swimmer, keep an eye on friends who aren’t as skilled as you are.   

Swimming and Diving  Never swim alone. Swim only in designated areas where a lifeguard is present. Obey “No Swimming” and “No Diving” signs. Dive only into water that you know is deep enough.   

Boating Make sure the person handling the boat is experienced. Never get into a boat with an operator who has been using alcohol or other drugs.

Boating Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when you go out in a boat. Personal flotation device (PFD) Life jacket

Boating Plan ahead and check weather reports. If a storm is predicted, do not go out onto the water. If you are already on the boat, head back to shore immediately.

Boating Make sure someone on land knows where you are and when you expect to be back. Because the water is likely to be cold, dress in layers and choose synthetic fabrics that will wick moisture away from your body.

Boating Know your limits when canoeing or kayaking and don’t attempt rivers or rapids that are beyond your abilities. Make sure you know how to handle a boat properly and recognize river hazards before heading out on the water.

Boating The same safety rules that apply to boating also apply to personal watercraft. In some states there is an age limit for operating personal watercraft devices or a test you have to pass before you can use one.

Preventing Drowning

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Sample answer: Take plenty of safe water with you. Plan for the weather. Wear appropriate clothing. 1.Identify three strategies for preventing accidental injuries while hiking or camping.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2.List three general safety guidelines for participating in winter sports. Wear warm clothing, apply sunscreen, bring a friend along.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3.What is the main safety rule for diving? Dive only into water that you know is deep enough.