Skate park user Nick Anderson, 9, of East Prairie, wears his helmet during a safety presentation June 6. Left-right are Town of High Prairie peace officer Erica Thiessen, senior peace officer Alan Bloom, Alberta Health Services health promotions facilitator Colette Elko, Charity Gambler of High Prairie Emergency Medical Services and Michelle Hill, High Prairie service co-ordinator with the Alberta Brain Injury Network.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Safety comes first as helmets are now mandatory for anyone using The Q Skate Plaza in High Prairie.

The reason: to promote safety and prevent head injuries.

That was the message during an information session on June 6 by local health and safety partners.

“We want to educate people about using the skatepark and safety,” says Alan Bloom, senior peace office and safety officer for the Town of High Prairie.
“Anybody under 18 is required to wear a certified safety helmet when using a skateboard, bicycle, roller blades, scooter, under the town bylaw.”

Violators will face a fine of $100.

“Anyone over 12 years of age can be ticketed while those 12-and-under are the responsibility of parents and guardians,” Bloom says.

Officials urge parents to ensure their children are equipped and well protected.

“We also want to see older users be role models to younger users by wearing safety equipment,” Bloom says.

“We don’t want to deter people from coming to the skate park, but we want to ensure the safety of everyone,” peace officer Erica Thiessen says.

Since the skate park opened for users in September 2014, no serious injuries have been reported, Bloom says.

“We are here before something serious happens,” Thiessen says.

People of all ages using bicycles, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades should always wear protective headgear, Bloom says.

“Broken bones can heal, but head and brain injuries can have lifelong effects,” he says.

“Protect your brain… it’s the only one you’ve got” is the theme for a promotion by the Alberta Brain Injury Network.

“Your brain is the control centre of you body and if you injure your brain, then it can impact everything you do,” says Michelle Hill, service co-ordinator for the High Prairie area.

“Brain injuries are not easily repaired and can have long-term impacts. “Put a helmet on to protect your head.”

Helmets prevent concussions that are common when the head suddenly strikes a hard surface.