Tips for Summer Sports and Activities

Are you tired and bored of spending a lot of time indoors for remote work and classes? The summer season is something you can look forward to. It’s a great time to stay outside and do sports and other recreational activities. 

You would not want to miss out on the sunshine, warmth, and fun of the summer. Although participating in summer sports is a good idea, it can put anyone at risk of injury. In Canada, 66% of injuries, among young people between the ages of 12 to 19, are related to sports. 

While the summer will bring excitement, staying safe should remain a priority. Check out our list of tips for summer sports and activities. 

Different Summer Sports and Activities

Sports play an essential role in Canada. Through Sport Canada, the Government of Canada provides financial support to the country’s sports system. It develops programs and policies, which allow every Canadian to engage in sport-related activities. 

As a leading sports nation, Canada has a variety of sports and activities you can enjoy during the summer. Here are a few of them: 

Rock Climbing

Do you want to scale the best climbing routes in North America? Rock climbing is a perfect activity worth trying this summer. There are challenging climbs in hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and gravel access roads. 

However, and depending on your skill levels in rock climbing, the best destinations vary. If you don’t have any experience, practicing in rock climbing centers would be a great idea. 

Camping and Hiking

Canada is replete with wilderness and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for camping and hiking. Its National Parks are full of campgrounds and hiking trails that you can explore this summer. But, if you want to get the best spot, you have to make reservations as early as possible. In fact, the most sought-after locations are usually fully-booked even before summer arrives. 

Diving

Most people don’t consider diving when visiting Canada. But with great lakes and beaches, it offers some of the best diving experiences in the world. Newfoundland and British Columbia are among the ideal places for scuba diving. 

Skateboarding

Even if you’re not the most skilled, skateboarding is a fun summer sport you can do in Canada. There are summer skateboarding camps operating in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. They offer skateboarding programs for children at all skill levels and you can register for a summer schedule that best suits your kids. 

Swimming

Swimming is a popular sport and recreational activity in Canada. You can do it in one of its incredible beaches and lakes or either in an indoor or outdoor pool. It’s also the perfect activity for spending time with family and friends.

Summer Sports Safety Tips

Although the end of the school year is still months away, it’s never too early to start preparing. Are you anticipating the sports and recreational activities you and your kids can do during their summer break? 

Take a look at these safety tips when planning your sports and other outdoor activities for the summer. 

Set Realistic Goals

Summer is a great time for learning opportunities for your children and the whole family. One way to stay safe and make the most out of it is to set goals in place. 

When setting your goals for the summer, it’s best to discuss them with the whole family. More importantly, make sure you consider their interests and preferences. 

Remember that it’s essential to be realistic about what you’re planning to do. Thus, make your list smaller, specific and doable. 

Get In Shape

Getting in shape is an integral part of summer plans. With a lot of free time during the summer, it’s easier for kids and teens to fall back on unhealthy meals, snacks and habits. Unfortunately, research shows that they gain weight faster during the summer than they do throughout the entire school year. 

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to put a structured schedule into their summer breaks. Sign them up for swim lessons, summer camps, and competitive sports. But don’t forget to give them free time for outdoor play as well. It will also help to swap out the chips and other junk foods in your fridge for healthier options. 

Check Proper Protective Gears

Keeping your children safe during their summer fun should be an immediate concern. There must also be adult supervision, especially if it involves water and wheels. Moreover, make sure to have them wear proper protective gear like a helmet or life jacket, as they could otherwise end up with physical injuries and a trip to the emergency room. 

The right equipment depends on the sport or activity they are participating in. Below are some common gears that will help protect children or young athletes. 

  • Helmet: Your child needs to wear a helmet if their activity involves riding bikes, scooters, or anything with wheels. 
  • Sunglasses: Ultraviolet rays are stronger during the summer. Therefore, make sure to protect your child’s eyes while they’re busy doing their summer activities.
  • Sportswear: Your child needs the right sportswear for physical activities, as the proper clothes will keep them comfortable and safe from potential injuries. These include hats or visors, rash guards, and goggles. 
  • Safety gear: We shouldn’t have to mention this, but make sure your vehicle has operating seatbelts, as you may need to transport your kids to summer camp or otherwise drive them around. Other protective gear you might like to have around include a life jacket and slip-on sneakers that are non-slip and waterproof.

Pro Tip

If you plan to play competitive sports or start an exercise program in the summer, it’s best to check with your doctor, particularly if you have existing health concerns.

-Diamond & Diamond

Hydrate

The summer sun can significantly contribute to dehydration. As temperatures get warmer, we lose hydration through sweating. However, compared to adults, children tend to sweat more and they don’t always notice when they’re thirsty. Therefore, engaging your kids in summer sports or even outdoor play may expose them to a greater risk of dehydration. 

That’s why adding hydration to your summer game plan is crucial. Remind your kids frequently to drink plenty of water. Consulting a registered physiotherapist for planning your kids’ summer activities may also help. 

Acclimate

Playing sports during the summer season can increase your body’s core temperature. If you’re not mindful, you can experience heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. In extreme cases, these conditions can result in brain injuries. 

Acclimatization is one way to stay safe while doing summer activities. It’s the process of slowly adjusting to new conditions, such as the summer heat. Make sure your indoor environment is not too different from outdoor temperatures. 

Have You or Your Child Been Injured During Summer Sports? Call Us Today.

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to engage your children in competitive sports. But there’s a high risk of a head injury in contact sports like football, basketball, diving, and bicycling. Safety precautions should be in place for any summer activities you plan to do. 

If you or your child gets injured during summer sports, Diamond & Diamond is here to help. We have a team of lawyers who have years of experience handling sports-related injury claims. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.