TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Surfing injuries requiring first aid in New Zealand, 2007-2012
JO  - International journal of aquatic research and education
A1  - Moran, K.
A1  - Webber, J.
SP  - 192
EP  - 203
VL  - 7
IS  - 3
N2  - In an island nation such as New Zealand with easy access to surf beaches, surfing activities are very popular and, while generally perceived as a healthy form of outdoor recreation, they do have attendant risks. This study reports on non-drowning, surfing-related incidents that required medical first aid on beaches during five summer seasons from 2007-2012. Retrospective descriptive analysis of data from lifeguard first-aid reports found that 16% (n = 1,327) of injuries were the consequence of surfing activity. More males than females were treated for surfing injuries (68% male, 31% female). Lacerations (59%) and bruising (15%) accounted for most of the injuries. The head was the most common site of injury (32%), and most injuries were caused by contact with the victim's own board (50%). Ways of promoting surf safety via equipment modification, the use of protective head gear, the management of surfing activity by lifeguards, and public education are discussed. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1932-9997
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.03.03
ID  - ref1
ER  -