Recreation-Related Injuries

Like organized sports, recreational activity can improve physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline and teamwork, as well as promote a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment. 

However recreational activities can also pose the risk of unintentional physical injury.  Children are more susceptible to these injuries because they are still growing and gaining motor and cognitive skills.

Follow the links below to find information on injuries resulting from recreational activities and what can be done to prevent them from occurring.

Reviewed May 2008

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17 Resources Found
Results 1 to 17 displayed.

Title:   Playing safely
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Injury is the commonest cause of death and disability in the 1 to 3 year age group, and even small injuries can cause children a lot of pain. Most injuries happen at home. Some are caused by adults playing roughly with babies .
Date:   Jul 2008

Title:   Water safety for children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Around 8 Victorian children under the age of five years drown every year. Parents can reduce the risks by supervising their child around water, teaching them to swim and taking precautions to reduce the risk of drowning around the home.
Date:   Mar 2008

Title:   Learn or burn - campfire safety
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Kicking a bit of dirt or sand on the fire to put it out isn't smart, because underneath it stays hot for more than eight hours. If you or your kids later touch the dirt-covered fire for just a second, it can still be extremely hot and it will burn skin!
Date:   Feb 2008

Title:   Video games
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Today's computer and video games are much more complex and interesting to the point where a gamer can become immersed in a multimedia-enabled 'virtual reality'.
Date:   Jan 2008

Title:   Child safety - playground equipment
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Children using playground equipment are most often injured by falls. You can reduce the risk by always supervising your child, limiting their play to age-appropriate equipment and teaching them to use the equipment sensibly.
Date:   Dec 2007

Title:   Learn or burn - campfire safety
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Kicking a bit of dirt or sand on the fire to put it out isn't smart, because underneath it stays hot for more than eight hours. If you or your kids later touch the dirt-covered fire for just a second, it can still be extremely hot and it will burn skin!
Date:   Nov 2007

Title:   Toy safety
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   For children to get the most out of toys they must be safe and the right toy for the child's age and ability.
Date:   Nov 2007

Title:   Learn or burn - campfire safety
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Kicking a bit of dirt or sand on the fire to put it out isn't smart, because underneath it stays hot for more than eight hours. If you or your kids later touch the dirt-covered fire for just a second, it can still be extremely hot and it will burn skin!.
Date:   Aug 2007

Title:   Microwave ovens - safety issues
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The microwave oven can be hazardous if not used correctly. Common dangers include unevenly cooked foods and scalds from escaping steam. Radiation leaks are possible from damaged ovens but the risk is small. A microwave oven cannot be used to sterilise jars or bottles, including babies' bottles.
Date:   Jul 2007

Title:   Scooters and safety
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The scooter has become a popular toy in Australia. Falls and collisions with cars and pedestrians are now disturbingly common. Essential safety equipment includes a safety helmet and guards for the wrists, elbows and knees.
Date:   May 2007

Title:   Playgrounds: fun without tears
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   Safety in playgrounds, backyards and on trampolines
Date:   Jan 2007

Title:   Water safety
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Here are some tips for playing it safe in the water.
Date:   Oct 2004

Title:   Water safety: frequently asked questions
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service (NSW)
Description:   Summary: Warnings on dangers of swimming in the sea; information on lifeguards, flags and signs. Safety in backyard swimming pools: supervision of children, learning resuscitation, preventing drowning of children in lakes, rivers and dams. Safe practices on boats and when rock fishing.
Date:   Jun 2002

Title:   How to be safe in and around the water
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service (NSW)
Description:   Guidelines to help prevent you or your children from drowning
Date:   Jun 2002

Title:   Child safety: preventing scalds
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Even a small scald can lead to hospitalisation and scarring for a child.
Date:   Jun 2001

Title:   A parents' guide to holiday safety
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service (NSW)
Description:   Swimming pools, children's toys, bikes, Christmas lights and warm weather are all ingredients for having fun in the summer but they also have the potential to cause harm. Some good advice is offered for keeping children out of trouble.
Date:   Dec 1998

Title:   House fires and scalds: is your family at risk?
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service (NSW)
Description:   If fire breaks out in your home, chances of survival are twice as good if you have a smoke alarm installed. Scalds from hot water and hot drinks are among the commonest causes of serious injuries in young children.
Date:   Jul 1996
Results 1 to 17 displayed.