Cottage Safety Tips
Summer is a great time to travel, especially to cottage country. Whether you own, rent, or stay at a friend’s cottage, getting away from the stresses of everyday life is a great way to unwind, relax, and recharge.
Unfortunately, countless cottagers are injured each year – some catastrophically. In order to ensure a safe cottage experience, consider taking some of the following steps upon arriving at the cottage:
-Check Before You Dive – even if you are familiar with a cottage, the water level in the lake may have changed from previous years, or a rock may have shifted during the spring melt.
-Decks and Docks – wood that has been exposed to the elements over the winter can develop weak spots and even collapse when walked on.
-Doors and Locks – particularly if you have young children, ensure that the door and window locks are functioning so that young children do not inadvertently get outdoors or near water without supervision.
-Pests and Rodents – inspect the property to ensure that no unwelcome guests have moved into the cottage, treehouses, or other out buildings on the property.
-Boating Safety Devices – before taking the boat out for the inaugural journey, check to ensure that the boat is still water worthy and ensure that all life jackets or PFDs are in good working order.
While everyone cannot wait to relax as soon as they get to the cottage, a few small steps can ensure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
About the Authors
The son of a grocery store clerk, Kevin grew up outside of Perth, Ontario. He credits his humble beginnings with the development of his underdog mentality, an approach he has carried into his legal career.
He attended McMaster University for two years before being granted early admission to Osgoode Hall Law School. After being called to the bar in 2008, Kevin began practising law in Hamilton before joining a leading Toronto litigation firm, representing Canada’s largest insurance companies on personal injury actions. “I didn’t find it fulfilling,” Kevin recalls. “I was helping companies save money, when what I wanted to do was help the people going up against these major corporations.” Since joining Oatley Vigmond, Kevin has used his insurance-industry experience to protect his clients and recover the compensation they deserved. He’d been at Oatley Vigmond for two months when he settled a matter for a client at a mediation. “You felt the burden of the litigation, and her injuries, lifting off her. I wanted to help even more people experience the relief of having their uncertainty lifted.’”