In just one short week, kids will be finishing up at school and readying themselves for a summer full of friends, relaxation and swimming. With so much to look forward to and the warm weather quickly approaching, it’s easy to overlook the risks involved with water activities.
While spending time in and around the water is a great way to spend the summer, being aware of the risks is always important. Here are a few tips from the Canadian Red Cross on summer water safety:
- Teach children how to swim
- Be aware of currents and changing weather patterns when swimming in the ocean or in lakes
- Supervise children at all times
- Fence backyard pools and ensure gates have self-latching gates
- Avoid diving into water head first
Occupiers’ Liability Act
If you have a pool in your backyard, it’s your responsibility to ensure that it is safe for anybody who is at your house. This duty is set out in the Occupiers’ Liability Act and states that as the occupier of the premises, it is your duty to ensure that your property is safe for anyone entering. If someone is injured in a swimming accident in your pool, you may be held liable for damages if you haven’t taken the proper precautions to ensure their safety.
If you’ve been injured in a swimming or pool accident, contact us online for a free legal consultation or by phone at 1-800-563-6348 to speak directly with one of our lawyers.
