HOW TO BE SAFE WHILE BEING ACTIVE
Staying active is great for your health, but it’s just as important to stay safe while doing it.
What we do to help you stay safe:
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Collaborate with community partners to create injury prevention strategies and build healthy and safe communities using universal design concepts (usable by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or other characteristics).
- Provide research and resources for community partners on injury prevention, universal design concepts or any other topics that create safe and healthy communities.
- Advocate for policy change that will reduce injuries.
What you can do to be active and stay safe:
Fortunately, many injuries, like concussions, road incidents, and drownings, are both predictable and preventable. By recognizing potential hazards and making informed choices, you can reduce your risk and stay safe. It’s important to stay updated with daily changes in weather and air quality, especially during outdoor activities.
Concussions:
A concussion can occur from an impact to the head or body. Concussions can affect all ages, and they often happen from sports, falls, or collisions.
In Ontario, Rowan’s Law helps raise awareness about concussions. It requires sports organizations, school boards, and health care providers to follow specific rules when someone is suspected of having a concussion.
To prevent or manage concussions, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and protocols:
Road Safety:
Pedestrians:
Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in Ontario. Both drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility of keeping roads safe.
- Be visible and predictable.
- Cross only at crosswalks, traffic lights, or stop signs.
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Walk—don’t run—across intersections.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb.
- Wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.
- Avoid using phones or other devices near traffic.
Cyclists:
Bicycles are considered vehicles under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers to keep roads safe and predictable.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Use hand signals when turning.
- Wear a helmet that is properly fitted and use lights or reflectors.
- Share the road respectfully with drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers:
Most injuries and deaths from collisions are caused by driver errors such as speeding, driving impaired, not wearing seat belts, or being distracted.
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Never drive impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
- Buckle up—seat belts prevent injuries and save lives.
- Stay focused—put away handheld devices such as cellphones.
Water Safety:
Many injuries and deaths happen during activities in or around water. Older adults (75+ years) have the highest drowning rates in Canada. Young children are most at risk in backyard pools.
- Wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device every time, no exceptions.
- Avoid swimming alone—always have a buddy or supervision.
- Eyes on the water, not your phone—supervising means staying alert.
- Water and substances don’t mix—avoid using alcohol and other substances.
- Be prepared—take water safety training and know what to do in an emergency.
Shade and Sun Safety:
We can be exposed to harmful UV rays all year round through work, play and relaxation outdoors. Shade helps to make public spaces more enjoyable and safer for everyone by protecting us from UV rays, improving air quality, and encouraging more time outside to engage in active play for all ages.
To make shade strategies effective, we collaborate with community members, health professionals, and municipal partners and encourage shade in planning and land use policies. Here's how you can help:
- Explore your neighbourhood to see where there would be benefits to added shade options, such as in parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and over sidewalks
- Talk to your municipality through emailing or calling local councillors about your concerns about shade and UV exposure and the need for additional shade options
- Find local community groups that may be concerned about shade and UV exposure and connect with them thorough events and socials
- When going outdoors, plan ahead by checking the UV index forecast in your area and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially when the UV index is 3 or higher.
Air quality:
Outdoor air quality can change quickly and may affect your health, especially during physical activity. On days when the air quality is poor, such as impacts from wildfire smoke, it’s important to adjust your activity level or choose indoor alternatives. Knowing your limits can help you stay safe and active, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
The Ontario Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a helpful tool that rates air quality to help you make informed decisions about staying safe while being active outdoors. Remember, air quality conditions can change quickly, so check the AQHI frequently.
Extreme Temperatures:
Extreme weather temperatures can pose serious risks to your health—especially when you're active outdoors. Whether it's freezing cold or sweltering heat, understanding how to protect yourself is key to staying safe. Below are helpful tools and resources to guide your activity choices during extreme temperatures:
Visit SMDHU’s Health and Outdoor Environment page for updates and resources.
