Coroner stirs debate on mandating ski helmets
By Brandon Barrett, Pique
A coroner has called on the province to consider making snow-sport helmets mandatory at all British Columbia ski hills following the conclusion of an investigation into the 2013 death of a teenaged snowboarder on Grouse Mountain.
“The research reviewed during the course of this investigation indicates helmets can reduce the risk of serious injury in certain scenarios,” Coroner Timothy Wiles wrote in his report. “However, there are currently no regulations mandating helmet use in the Province of British Columbia.”
Whistler Blackcomb declined to be interviewed in the topic, but sent a statement from safety manager Kira Cailes.
“Whistler Blackcomb recommends the use of helmets to all guests. As for making helmet usage mandatory at B.C. ski resorts through legislation, we believe that encouraging safe skiing and boarding practices through education, awareness and example is a more effective approach to limiting head injuries.”
The coroner’s recommendations flow from an investigation into the death of 16-year-old exchange student Luca Cesar, who was snowboarding at the North Vancouver resort on Nov. 29, 2013, when he became separated from his friends.