New Nova Scotia Ski Helmet Law set to be World’s Toughest

From next winter, visitors to Nova Scotia’s slopes will be met with stringent new laws regarding the use of safety helmets, said to be the world’s strictest. Skiers and snowboarders not wearing the correct safety equipment would be hit with a $250 fine from officers enforcing the new law. The law is in response to the statistic that 11 people have experienced traumatic brain injuries since the year 2000 that were related to skiing or snowboarding without using a ski helmet.

Activities that “Should be enjoyed safely”

Maureen MacDonald, the Minister of Health and Wellness is a staunch supporter of the new law, stating, “Many Nova Scotians enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding, but these are activities that should be enjoyed safely.” MacDonald went on to assert that the use of correct safety equipment could “greatly reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic injury and could be the one thing on the hill that saves a life.”

Not Just Whilst Skiing

The use of helmets in Nova Scotia is not just helping those who prefer to strap on a set of ski boots. The Canadian province boasts the highest proportion of cyclists using helmets, and in turn has the lowest rate of injuries related to cycling. The law for those on the slopes is intended to reduce the risk for winter sports enthusiasts, whilst not impinging too much on their enjoyment of the pastime.

Lost Hiker “Didn’t Think he’d Survive”

82-year-old Bruce Charity did not expect to be out for too long when he set off for one of his regular strolls last Monday afternoon. After his walk took a disastrous turn, and he ended up lying down to sleep in a soaking jacket, Charity did not expect to wake up the following morning. At one stage, he remembers looking at his watch, seeing that the time was 10 p.m. and thinking “what the heck? I’m 82 years old; I’ve got to go sonetime.”

A Near Fatal Wrong Turn

Charity’s problems began when he got a bit lost in the woods close to his home, taking a trail “that really wasn’t a trail.” Hoping to find another trail, Charity kept going, but instead got hopelessly lost, and darkness, along with the temperature was falling. In attempting to seek help from a fellow walker with a torch, Charity made what could have been a grave mistake, in misjudging the depth of a stream. He initially believed it to be around a foot deep, but quickly found he was mistaken as he became submerged. Thankfully a police helicopter found him after his wife raised the alarm when Charity did not return home.

Do not Make the Same Mistakes

Going for a lone winter hike can be fantastic, but can be fraught with dangers. Ensure that you have sufficient outdoor clothing for the cold weather, and make sure you have notified somebody of your intended route, and expected time of return. A good torch can also help you to be found if you get lost.

Swindon’s Hikers get Surfing to Find New Routes

A brand new website detailing some of the best routes for hikers around Swindon has been launched. The Get Walking in Swindon site is aimed at all those who want to get (or indeed remain) healthy, as it promotes the aims of leading a healthy lifestyle. The site is the result of a partnership between Swindon Council’s leisure services department and the local Ramblers, with some funding coming from an NHS funded project, Walk Swindon. Containing routes and information about walking groups, the site is designed to inspire people to pull on their outdoor clothing and get active.

Encouragement to Enjoy Walking

At the heart of the project is the idea that people should find walking enjoyable, and if they do, they are more likely to continue. The site follows similar projects that have proved popular in Durham, Manchester and Sheffield, and contains routes that have been created by a group of local volunteers. Whilst the first routes have been posted, more are expected in the New Year.

A “Wonderful Project”

The bulk of the routes are short, between one and three miles, but others go up to the five-mile mark. Routes that are accessible to wheelchair users are flagged up on the site, allowing all to get involved and get active. Pat Crabb of the local Ramblers group called the site a “wonderful project. We’ve really enjoyed working with the council to encourage people to get to their feet and experience the benefits of walking.”