Summer is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family. But with more people out and about, potentially partaking in risky activities (think trying a new sport and hitting patio season hard), it’s important to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.
He says that people often lose sight of how much alcohol they’ve consumed or overestimate their skill level and abilities when it comes to summer sports like swimming or activities like boating.
On top of that, myths about summer safety often stop people from taking the necessary precautions to stay safe or protect themselves, leading to accidents, injuries and lawsuits. Here’s the truth behind five of them.
Myth: I’m not responsible for people partying at my cottage
If you’re hosting a cottage party this summer, you’re responsible for much more than ice-cold beers and tasty burgers.
As the owner of a property or host of a party, you’re governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which requires you to take reasonable steps to ensure that your guests are safe when they visit. These steps can include not permitting untrained or inexperienced riders from operating your recreational vehicles and advising your guests of the depth of the water around your dock.
Henderson recalls a case involving a young man who was rendered quadriplegic when he dove off a dock into shallow water. He believes that his client’s injuries could have been prevented with a simple “no diving” sign or a warning about the water levels from the homeowner.
To avoid accidents, Henderson has some tips: Take the time to tell guests if there are any hidden dangers. Warn them of low water levels or other hazards around the property, post “no-diving” signs on your dock and ensure life jackets are worn when your guests are boating.
Myth: Helmets and life jackets are just for kids
It has been proven by numerous studies that helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injury when worn during activities like biking and ATVing.
Yet many people don’t bother putting one on. The 2017 Canadian Community Health Survey found that only 45.5 per cent of Canadians made an effort to wear a helmet every time they were on a bicycle.
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In Ontario, cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear helmets, but it’s always a smart idea to wear one, Henderson says.
The rules are different when it comes to ATVing. It’s against the law to ride an ATV without a helmet, no matter how old you are.
If you’re out on the water on any kind of boat, you’re required by law to have a life jacket or personal flotation device on board for every occupant regardless of age. Even though the law doesn’t require you to actually be wearing a life jacket, it’s a good practice.
“Oftentimes, when you need a life jacket, it’s during a boat crash and you don’t have time to react,” Henderson says. “For example, if you’re rendered unconscious or incapacitated as a result of that crash, you won’t be able to grab for your life jacket.”
Myth: I can take a turn at the helm of the boat even if I’m not licensed
It can be tempting to take your friend’s powerboat for a spin, but if you’re not licensed, it’s against the law to do so. If you’re operating a boat that isn’t powered by your own strength, a pleasure craft operator card is required by law.
“You wouldn’t let someone who’s not licensed drive your car,” Henderson says. “In a lot of cases, a boat can travel as fast as a car, it doesn’t have seatbelts and it has far less safety equipment. Letting someone have control of such a powerful vehicle without any training whatsoever poses a danger to you, and anyone else on the water.”
Myth: I can safely drink alcohol and boat
Boozing and boating is a big issue on the waterways of Ontario, and many boaters don’t understand the consequences of this reckless behaviour.
“As a society, we certainly believe that drinking and driving is… unsafe, but that hasn’t necessarily transferred to boating and drinking yet,” Henderson says.
Boats are powerful vehicles that require a sober captain who can respond to and avoid hazards, such as changing water conditions and traffic on the waterway.
If you’re convicted of impaired operation of a boat, you face the same consequence as you would driving a car under the influence. You can lose your licence, face significant fines and even end up in jail.
If your passengers or people in other boats are injured as a result of a collision, you can also be sued. The law typically limits personal injury claims related to boat collisions to $1 million for each boat involved, but when reckless behavior such as drinking is involved, there is no ceiling. A lawsuit could put your boat, cottage or other assets at risk, Henderson says.
Myth: I can put my feet on the dashboard when I’m a passenger in the car
Feeling the summer breeze on your toes during a road trip may sound alluring, but it’s incredibly dangerous to place your feet on a car’s dashboard.
In the event of a collision that deploys airbags, you could suffer serious injuries. Airbags are designed to inflate quickly and powerfully to prevent people from hitting their heads on the dashboard. If your feet are there, you may suffer foot fractures, facial fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
“There are lots of ways to hurt yourself if you put your feet on the dashboard. It’s exceptionally dangerous and people don’t realize it,” Henderson says. “A seatbelt and airbag system is designed to operate efficiently when you’re sitting properly.”
If the driver is at fault for the collision and you opt to sue for compensation, you could be held partially responsible for your injuries because you neglected your own safety.
Take that extra second to think through your decisions and stay safe this summer. If you do suffer an injury, Oatley Vigmond can be reached at 1-866-269-2481. Their team of lawyers and accident benefits specialists can help you navigate complex personal injury claims, long-term disability issues, and accident benefits.
