I wonder if people say these things, they actually believe it?
Like free solo rock climbing: it's actually fairly safe if you do it on a route you know inside out, that is well within your ability, and in good condition. But if it's not in good condition and holds might come loose, nobody in their right mind - and the knowledge to recognize the condition - would free solo it.
Of course if you don't do something you're never going to be at risk from whichever activity it was.
Some activities always have risk, for example ski-touring (backcountry if you're a Yank). If there's skiable snow, avalanche danger is never zero.
So not risk free.
Exactly. If nothing is risk free then the original statement we’re discussing is untrue.