In-line skating has fast become one of the most popular recreational sports. This fast and exciting activity holds appeal for people of all ages. Like all sporting activities, in-line skating is not risk-free.

Many people strap on a pair of in-line skates without ever thinking about training or safety gear. To ensure your next in-line adventure is both safe and exciting, please follow these tips:

• If you're new to the sport take lessons. Learn how to skate, stop and fall (everyone does it).
• Wear protective gear whenever you skate. That means a safety approved helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.
• Choose good quality skates that fit properly. Loose skates do not provide adequate ankle support or control.
• Skate on smooth, flat surfaces free of water, sand or debris.
• Cross roads only at corners or marked pedestrian crossings.
• Obey all pedestrian crossing lights.
• Never skate out from between parked vehicles.
• Avoid skating near crowds, traffic and animals.
• Don't skate with your dog on a leash.
• Skate in daylight and wear bright clothing.
• Be alert for hazards. Keep your eyes and ears open while you skate.

HELMET HEAD - SAVING YOUR NOGGIN

• Make sure it meets the standards.
• Look for a Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) or American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards sticker inside the helmet.
• Make sure it fits.
• A good fit means that with the straps adjusted, the helmet is level on the head, touching all around, comfortably snug but not tight. You should not be able to move a well-fitted helmet in any direction.
• Use the sizing pads for a comfortable fit and take time to adjust the chinstraps.
• Replace a helmet that has been in a crash.
• Even if it doesn't appear to be damaged, a helmet that's been in a crash could be weakened, and could pose a danger in another crash.

FAST FACTS ON IN-LINE SKATING

While in-line skating provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, it can also carry some risks. Here's the skinny on in-line skating.

• An estimated 2 to 3 million Canadians own a pair of in-line skates.
• A fall at the speed of 20 km/h can result in death.
• It's not unusual for in-line skaters to reach speeds of 27 km/h. Some skilled skaters can go as fast as 50 km/h. For this reason proper safety gear is essential.
• More than 57% of in-line skating injuries are the result of the skater losing control.
• A fall from 2 feet can cause permanent brain damage.
• Only 25% of injured in-line skaters' report wearing safety gear such as pad and helmets.
• Most in-line skating injuries happen between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Children are especially at risk. Children aged 10 - 14 account for 60% of in-line skating injuries.
• The hands and forearms are the most commonly injured (58%) body part in in-line skating crashes.
• About 60% of all in-line skating injuries occur in public areas.