Once the ice and snow melt, Canadians start planning their summer activities, including participating in challenging summer sports like rock climbing and whitewater rafting. These sports attract people with the adrenaline rush they provide, the fitness and mental health benefits that come from enjoying challenging activities, and the opportunity to socialize with like-minded people.
High-risk summer sports are unbeatable, but they have many inherent risks. It is important to take these risks seriously by recognizing and acknowledging them, taking measures to minimize them, and considering all the possible consequences of participation, including the risk of death or serious injury.
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Defining High-Risk Summer Sports
What falls into the category of “high-risk” in summer sports? Here’s the shortlist:
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing can mean ascending specialized indoor walls as well as outdoor rock faces. This sport carries a significant risk of falls, equipment failures, and dangerous environmental and weather conditions.
Skydiving
Skydiving is free-falling from an airplane at a high altitude, deploying a parachute, and then drifting to the ground. This high-risk sport involves technical, specialized equipment which must function properly for a jump to be successful. Participants can be injured or even killed if that equipment malfunctions. Mid-air collisions and hard landings are other dangers inherent in skydiving.
Whitewater Sports
Whitewater sports involve steering through turbulent water in a kayak, canoe, or inflatable craft. The key hazards to these extreme sports are underwater obstacles such as boulders and tree branches, the speed and turbulence of the water itself, hypothermia, and difficult rescue conditions. The ease of extracting an injured person matters because delays can exacerbate their injuries.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping involves jumping from a structure such as a bridge or purpose-built tower while attached to an elastic cord at the ankles. Risks of this activity are equipment failures, stress to the joints, and injuries from making hard contact with the ground or water.
Paragliding, Hang Gliding, and Wingsuit Flying
Paragliding, hang gliding, and wingsuit flying all entail becoming airborne on non-motorized “wings” attached to a framework or harness. These extreme sports carry high risks from changing weather and atmospheric conditions and landing injuries and collisions with hard surfaces such as rock faces.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is done on off-road trails, which can feature steep inclines and uneven terrain dotted with rock and tree roots. Collisions and falls are common in this extreme sport. Rescuing injured people from these environments can also be challenging, meaning the injuries can go from serious to life-threatening while you are awaiting extrication.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving involves being underwater for extended periods of time using specialized breathing equipment. There are many dangers inherent in scuba diving, including equipment failures, injuries caused by marine life, and communication failures with support craft on the surface.
Tips to Minimize Risk
Despite the dangers, the rewards of extreme sports outweigh the risks for true enthusiasts. You can take steps to stay safer while enjoying the challenge, camaraderie, and health benefits of these activities.
Proper training and preparation are essential for high-risk sports.
Ensure that your trainer is qualified and experienced in the specific activity you are planning. They should instruct you on the proper use of equipment, safety protocols, and what to do if you need assistance.
Use the gear that is recommended for the sport.
Do not neglect items such as eye protection or knee guards, thinking you won’t need them. Helmets, harnesses and life jackets are easy to remember, but some gear, such as ear protection and wrist braces, may not be as intuitive. Examine your gear and equipment before each use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly.
Check the weather conditions for the area where you will be doing your high-risk activity.
Remember that weather can change rapidly and can vary at different altitudes. Even light wind can create much riskier conditions for some sports, so be diligent about getting as much information as possible.
Listen to your gut when assessing the risk of an activity.
You know best what is within your comfort zone and what you can reasonably handle. You may have the physical and mental capability to participate, but if you feel unsafe, you could make mistakes that land you in trouble.
Learn more about how Canada Protection Plan’s Life Insurance plans may be a great choice for extreme sports enthusiasts like you.
Life Insurance as a Protective Measure
Your equipment and gear protect you, while life insurance protects your family from the unintended consequences of high-risk sports. Nobody wants to think about the possibility of being seriously injured while enjoying an exciting activity. Still, with the risks inherent in extreme sports, you’re not truly prepared unless your family’s security is assured. Life insurance has the following advantages for participants in high-risk activities:
- Financial security and for your family if something happens to you, including replacement of your income. The death benefit can be used for anything they need, including mortgage payments, tuition, and household expenses.
- Funds to cover your final expenses, including funeral costs, outstanding debt, and the repatriation of your remains should you be abroad when you pass away.
- Peace of mind for you while you are participating in dangerous sports. If you know that your family is financially secure, you can enjoy your high-risk activity more fully.
- Coverage for non-fatal injuries (this is offered with some, but not all, life insurance plans).
- Lower premiums for those who are still young. Over the long run, you can save money on the cost of life insurance by buying a plan when you’re young and healthy.
Note that you must disclose your participation in high-risk sports when you buy a plan, especially if you do them regularly. Your claim may be denied if you fail to inform your insurance provider. This also applies to plans you already have.
Canada Protection Plan for High-Risk Sports Enthusiasts
When looking for life insurance, you will find that not all insurance providers offer coverage for extreme sports athletes. Canada Protection Plan does not have this restriction. What’s more, you don’t have to have a full medical or answer a lengthy questionnaire about your medical conditions to apply for our plans. That means you can take to the hills, trails, waterways, and skies shortly after filing your application!
Ready to get moving? Contact us today to talk about our wide range of life insurance products and how we can get you on your way to your thrilling adventure!
422145 CAN (07/23)
