Pause for concern over summer injury spikes

There’s lots to do out and about over the summer holidays but one adventure most Coasties will want to avoid is a trip to urgent care. 

In particular, because of the rising costs of treatment and the decreasing availability of emergency care centres on the Hibiscus Coast. 

ACC receives almost 70,000 claims for summer outdoor recreation activities each year with a fall being the top cause of fatalities. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says most of these injuries are preventable and it pays to take a moment to ask questions such as: “Am I wearing the right shoes for this activity?”;  “Should I take it a bit easy if it’s a new bike track or road I haven’t ridden before?”; or “Does the activity I am about to do match my skill level or ability?” 

“We want New Zealanders to enjoy their time this summer – whether that is at the beach, on mountain bike trails or on the sports field – but we are challenging them to have a moment, to have a ‘hmmm’. To think about smart ways they can do what they love while staying injury free,” Whittaker said.

As part of their summer injury prevention programme, ACC is providing online tips and advice on reducing the risk of injuries from summer recreation activities. Their guidance focuses on the  four activities that drive major spikes in injuries each summer, according to their claims data – road cycling, mountain biking, swimming and surfing. 

Top tips for injury prevention

Road Cycling – 28,059 new claims last year costing $76 million: Helmets should meet New Zealand safety standards and be replaced if they take a hit • Watch out for cars, potholes, slippery surfaces, or anything that can stop the wheels from turning • Position yourself where you can be seen on the road. Hi-vis gear can help you be seen at night.

Mountain biking – 4152 claims last year costing $21 million: Check your bike – ABC method, Air (tyre pressure); Brakes; Chain • Fit your helmet correctly – 2–4–1 method, 2 fingers from eyebrows to helmet, 4 finger v-shape around the bottom of ears, 1 finger under chin strap • Stick to trails that suit your ability

Swimming – 7551 claims last year costing $31 million: Know how to float – practise in a pool • Find the safest place to swim – stay between the flags to avoid rips • If in doubt, stay out – the weather can be unpredictable

Surfing – 5582 claims last year costing $13 million: Check it before you charge it – look for hazards before paddling out • Hold on to your board – make sure you wear a leg rope • Protect your head – cover your head if you wipe out. 

For a full list of tips, go to www.acc.co.nz/preventing-injury/