Every summer, a countless number of cottage parties, celebrations and gatherings are hosted in Ontario. While most of these celebrations never result in any sort of injury, many party goers are injured every year, sometimes catastrophically.
Owners of a cottage or hosts of a party are governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
This act requires and owner/host take reasonable steps to ensure that persons entering onto the property are reasonably safe while there. The Occupiers’ Liability Act is very broad and can be triggered if a host or homeowner does or neglects to do something that jeopardizes the safety of their guests.
In the cottage context, this could include not advising guests as to the depth of the water at the dock before permitting a guest to jump or dive or allowing a person who does not have proper training to operate an ATV.
The following are suggestions to ensure a party goes off without the worry associated with someone getting injured:
When greeting guests, give them an explanation of any hidden or unusual dangers (such as low water levels, slippery stairs or poorly lit areas of the property.
Post “no-diving” signs on the dock.
If having fireworks, only have the fireworks in one area and allow only one person to ignite or handle fireworks.
Allow guests that have had too much alcohol to drink to stay over.
Do not allow guests to operate ATVs, boats, or jet skis unless they are properly licensed and trained.
Ensure lifejackets are worn whenever guests are using watercraft of any sort.
While the goal of any cottage gathering should be to have fun, guest safety should be of paramount importance. By thinking of guest safety in advance, a host allows everyone to be able to relax and enjoy the party.
Kevin Henderson is a partner at Oatley Vigmond – Ontario’s largest personal injury law firm. You can reach Kevin at www.oatleyvigmond.com
