5 Tips for a Fun & Safe Summer at Your Gravenhurst Cottage

5 Tips for a Fun & Safe Summer at Your Gravenhurst Cottage

Anyone who loves summer knows that one of the best ways to spend it is by embracing cottage season. That’s four months of sunshine, barbecue, outdoor activities, and adventures in the water. And the best part? Doing all of these, and more, in the comfort of your cottage in Gravenhurst, out in the yard or on the docks.

But before you fire up the grill and splash in the water, you need to make sure that your home away from home is up for the job, and the entire family or your guests are aware of the house rules and vital safety tips. Don’t jump into the fun just yet without keeping in mind all necessary precautions. You’ll want a summer to remember in Gravenhurst and across cottage country, for all the right reasons.

The Importance of Cottage Insurance with Liability Coverage

Before you head out and start cottage season in Gravenhurst, make sure to review essential safety tips. Have a fun and safe summer made worry-free with proper precautions, including comprehensive cottage insurance. Whether you’re inviting guests or have neighbours nearby, be mindful of accidents and injuries that involve other people and properties to avoid liabilities.

Learn how you can enjoy your time at the cottage, and prevent the risk of injuries and damages with comprehensive cottage insurance. Find out more:

Tips for a Fun and Safe Summer at Your Gravenhurst Cottage

Are you heading over to cottage country? There’s no better place to spend the summer, especially with family and friends. Whether you’re renting a cottage or you’re finally home in Gravenhurst, have fun under the sun with these tips:

1. Talk to the entire group about house rules

Before leaving for your Gravenhurst cottage, talk to the entire group you’re spending the weekend or the entire season with. Whether you’re staying with family and friends, everyone must know the safety rules for swimming, barbecuing, fishing, hiking, and more, including the kids. 

Have an emergency preparedness plan that includes emergency contact numbers, cottage rules, and meeting places in case of disaster. The last thing anyone wants is an accident or injury, especially when it’s a guest that gets hurt, since you can be held liable on your cottage insurance coverage.

2. Prevent fire hazards

Fires are one of the leading causes of extensive property damage, resulting in devastating losses. During cottage season in Gravenhurst, it’s an especially unfortunate end to your vacation. Worse, an extensive fire can injure and cause property damage to other people, resulting in liabilities on your cottage insurance. This is why it’s important to eliminate fire hazards in your cottage.

Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind during your stay:

• Start by checking the smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Make sure that the batteries are working.
• Clean the grill before using it and don’t leave it unattended when in use. Make sure it’s properly turned off or the fire is put out after cooking.
• Put out the campfire immediately after use, and check on the firepit every night before going to bed.
• Keep fuel and firewood at least 10 metres away from the cottage.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher in your cottage, as well as firefighting tools such as a bucket of water or sand and a garden hose.

3. Prepare your boat

Are you going on water adventures? Before leaving the dock, make sure your boat is up for the job. Inspect the entire boat, particularly the fuel lines and tanks, to make sure it’s in good condition. 

Check for safety equipment, like life jackets, a first aid kit, and personal floatation devices, and replace any missing or worn out items. Remember that you need a life jacket for every person aboard, so make sure that your boat’s capacity is accounted for.

4. Stock up on first aid supplies

Cottage season is no stranger to injuries, especially as summer activities are in full swing. Make sure you have a first aid kit in your cottage, complete with essential supplies like bandages and gauze, so you can treat minor injuries right away. Place the first aid kit in an accessible location, so it’s easy to reach in case of an emergency, and avoid liability claims on your cottage insurance.

5. Be extra careful with cottage activities

Whether it’s your first time going up to a cottage in Gravenhurst, you’re returning for a fun summer, or you’re taking guests with you, it’s important to be mindful of typical cottage activities, such as fishing, setting off fireworks, and hiking. Keep in mind that while your family may be used to these weekend pursuits, not everyone is familiar with the risks and safety tips.

If you’re hosting guests in your Gravenhurst cottage, make sure they don’t fish, hike, or set off fireworks unaccompanied. Go over basic safety rules to prevent injuries and property damage. You will need liability coverage from your cottage insurance to cover any damages they suffer that you are held liable for.

To prevent this, go over these safety tips:

• Fishing: Be mindful of accidentally catching and injuring body parts on the hook when casting.
• Hiking: Stay on designated trails and heed warnings of bear and other animal sightings. Never hike alone and keep track of each other’s whereabouts and actions.
• Fireworks: Avoid setting off fireworks. If you do, follow the manufacturer’s directions closely to ensure utmost safety.

Keep Your Cottage Insurance Liability Coverage Up-to-Date with PAIB Insurance

Heading to your Gravenhurst cottage for the summer? If you’re bringing guests or socializing with neighbours, it’s important to review your cottage insurance coverage before heading out. Being a host comes with crucial responsibilities, such as keeping both your guests and property safe, away from accidents, injuries, and damage.

The best way to do this is to make sure that the liability coverage of your cottage insurance is up-to-date. At PAIB Insurance, our brokers are always available to help you manage your policy and ensure that your liability coverage needs are met. We also offer helpful advice for being a responsible host to ensure that your cottage insurance coverage remains cost-effective and responsive to your needs.

Are you hosting guests at your Gravenhurst cottage this summer? Contact PAIB Insurance today to review and update your liability coverage.