Citation

Giles AR, Stadig G, Darroch F, Lynch M, Issaluk MD, Strachan S. Int. J. Aquatic Res. Educ. 2014; 8(4): 351-367.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Bowling Green State University)

DOI

10.1123/ijare.2014-0044

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the phenomenon of "skipping" a snowmobile-that is, accelerating a snowmobile to speeds that allow the snowmobile and driver to "skip" across open bodies of water found between sheets of ice or ice and the shore. Though common in many northern communities, there is a paucity of literature that examines this risky practice. Given the high rate of unintentional injury among Inuit (Health Canada, 2001), it is particularly important to better understand the reasons why some Inuit engage in this health-risk behavior. Using focus groups and semistructured interviews with residents of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, we sought to understand who was skipping snowmobiles and why. Our results suggest that there are two forms of skipping: instrumental (i.e., necessary for travel on the land, especially while hunting) and recreational (i.e., for enjoyment). It is mainly adult male hunters who engage in instrumental skipping, while male adolescents and young adults are most likely to participate in skipping for recreational purposes. These findings can help to inform strategies that seek to reduce unintentional injuries and fatalities in northern communities, especially among Inuit. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

Water safety; Aquatic risk management