With the final long weekend of the summer fast approaching, many Ontarians are planning one more trip to the cottage before their kids return to school and the annual post-vacation return-to-work season commences. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a few more relaxing days with loved ones, along with the many outdoor activities that our province has to offer. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of the many personal injury risks at the cottage, whether that means firing up the grill, planning one more canoe paddle or hopping on an ATV and buzzing across back-country trails.

This is the last chance to ensure you and yours wrap up the season in style—but with safety in mind. Put simply, the Leone Murray LLP team wants your Labour Day long weekend to be memorable for all the right reasons. That’s why we’ve assembled a guide to make your upcoming trip to the cottage as fun and worry-free as possible. Here are some (but by no means not all) of the points to keep in mind to help mitigate the risk of personal injury in the days ahead:

Closely follow boat safety rules

Even at the end of summer, an old adage applies: boating safety never takes a holiday. Remember that even experienced veterans can be blindsided by oversights such as poor planning or unexpected weather. Unpredictable rainstorms, sudden winds and rough water—even on normally calm lakes—can turn a serene outing into a dangerous one in minutes.

• Check the forecast early, but also throughout the say—Local lakes often experience sudden weather changes, so staying informed using local weather forecasts is key
• Dress for the unexpected—Conditions on the water can chill you faster than on land. And remember that life jackets should always be worn, not only stored on the boat to satisfy provincial safety requirements
• Keep communication gear handy and charged—A working radio or at least a fully charged phone in a waterproof case can be a lifesaver if a water-borne situation goes sideways
• Boat responsibly—Always boat with at least one other person, do not drink if operating the boat and be sure to follow vessel capacity rules

Water safety for swimmers and sun-seekers

Few pleasures match the joy of plunging into cool, clear water—but sun and lake safety rules should always be respected:

• Designate a water watcher—Especially when kids or non-swimmers are around, one sober adult should focus solely on keeping eyes on those in the water
• Avoid diving in unknown depths—Many lake bottoms slope sharply or hide rocks, logs, or weeds. Enter feet-first unless you know the water well
• Use floatation devices for weak swimmers—Don’t rely on inner tubes or party floats, which can flip or drift. Certified life jackets are the safest option
• Know the signs of cold shock—Even in late summer, water below 20°C can cause gasping, hyperventilation, and muscle failure, making it harder to swim back to shore

Beware of slip and fall hazards around the cottage

The cottage environment—uneven ground, docks, wet decks or cluttered walkways—can be a hotspot for slip and fall accidents, especially with friends and family of all ages coming and going throughout the weekend. Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in Ontario cottages and homes. To minimize the risk of personal injury:

• Keep walkways clear—Hoses, gear, or firewood left scattered near paths or steps are trip hazards
• Dry wet surfaces quickly—Docks, decks, and tile floors inside the cottage can become slick. Use mats and encourage everyone to wear water shoes or sandals with grip. Remember that moss-covered rocks under water or near shores can also be extremely slippery
• Check lighting—Proper outdoor lighting prevents evening trips and falls. Solar stake lights can be an easy and inexpensive addition to illuminate outdoor spaces
• Remind guests to take their time—After a long day in the sun, fatigue and alcohol can make footing less steady

Be smart when playing sports

From backyard volleyball and canoe races to water skiing and tubing, sporting accidents can happen in an instant. Common mishaps include sprains, cuts, concussions and even broken bones. Be sure to:

• Always wear protective gear—Helmets for biking, life jackets while on the water and proper footwear cut risks dramatically
• Set safe boundaries—Water activities such as tubing and water-skiing should only be done with a skilled driver and spotter and in water free of rocks and other obstacles. And while they may be fun and make great content for Instagram, no one should attempt water or land stunts without proper training and supervision
• Hydrate and rest—Heat and dehydration can impair judgment, leading to reckless play

Remember: competition and fun are always welcome at the cottage, but the real win is ending the weekend injury-free.

ATVs, motor vehicles and off-road activities

Many cottages double as playgrounds for ATVs, dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles. They’re thrilling, but they also rank high in accident statistics—particularly among youth. That’s why you, your family and guests should:

• Wear helmets every single ride—Brain injuries are the leading cause of ATV fatalities
• Stick to designated trails—Off-road riding near roads, driveways or unfamiliar terrain can lead to rollovers and collisions
• Maintain a strict one rider-per-seat rule—Doubling or tripling up seats can compromise balance and control. Restrict ridership to the number of seats or seatbelts on a vehicle
• No alcohol, no exceptions—Impaired ATV driving is just as dangerous as impaired boating or car driving. Save the beers for the patio or dock, once off-road fun is finished for the day

Last reminder: If teens or kids are eager to ride, ensure they’re on age-appropriate machines and under close supervision.

Fires, pets and cottage comforts

By Labour Day, nights can cool off, making a roaring evening campfire more appealing. Keep things cozy and safe by:

• Keeping campfires in designated pits, at least 3 metres from structures or flammable grasses. Always ensure fires are fully extinguished after use
• Keeping firewood dry—but not too close to the cottage
• Having a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Fire safety isn’t just for summer—you want to be ready before embers spark

Pets can join the fun, but they need a specific care plan:

• Always have fresh water available. Lake water can be tempting, but algae or stagnant zones can make your pet sick
• Cottage roads can still host vehicles even late in the season. Keep your dog on leash to minimize the risk of accidents
• Playful pets can sometimes catch people off guard on wet docks or shorelines (especially children or seniors). Keeping a dog calm and under control can help minimize injury risks

Be prepared for emergencies

Your final cottage weekend should be a relaxed affair, but being ready for medical issues is still essential. You should have basic medical supplies on hand including:

• Simple first-aid kit essentials—Bandages, tweezers (for splinters), insect bite cream, gauze. Tick checks are especially important along cottage trails
• An emergency access route plan—If you’re hiking or on a back-country canoe trip, for example, map out a route in advance if an emergency-related exit or medical attention is required during the outing
• Pack a flashlight—A reliable flashlight is essential at night, especially in situations where a person is injured or needs medical attention

Approach this Labour Day weekend with a safety-first mindset and it’s sure to be one to remember. Pay close attention and focus on risk mitigation while boating, swimming, playing sports, riding recreational vehicles, managing kids and pets or simply moving around your property. That combination of care and enjoyment is exactly what a season-ending cottage trip should be about. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy one last dip in the lake and put the personal injury worries aside.

The Leone Murray LLP Team

If you’ve sustained a significant personal injury, know that the Leone Murray LLP team is here to provide expert legal guidance and support. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you manage the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case assessment.

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Why choose Leone Murray LLP

Expertise: Our law firm specializes in personal injury law, which means we know the ins and outs of insurance, what you’re entitled to, and the next steps if you or your loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario.

Compassionate Care: We take a client-first approach, ensuring you receive both the legal expertise and emotional support you need during this difficult time.

No Upfront Fees: Some insurance providers may require you to take on additional costs related to medical assessments or specialist treatments. We pay these upfront fees on your behalf while fighting for your rights, saving that added stress so you can focus on your complete recovery.