With sunny days, warm weather, and ample free time, our daily lives see a huge surge in recreational activity during the summer. Parents don’t want their kids inside staring at screens all day, so they find leisurely and recreational activities for themselves and their children to enjoy. These activities range from family vacations and summer camps to backyard sports games and neighborhood pool visits. Some families may even purchase passes to recreational facilities, such as parks or community centers, during the summer.

However, even the most simple of activities can go wrong. Using common sports equipment, such as tennis racquets, baseball bats, Frisbees, or sports balls, has the potential to harm others. Danger accompanies the use of skateboards, bikes, mopeds, go-karts, scooters, and roller skates. Even remote-controlled cars, helicopters, and planes can cause an accident. When inviting friends over to use your driveway, play equipment, or swimming pool for some summer fun, there are still causes for concern. Potential liability comes from either you having fun at the expense of other persons or their property, or failing to take precautions that persons you've invited to your residence (or other places) are safe to enjoy themselves.

How to Preserve Your Fun

The easiest way to prepare in for summer liability is to ask yourself these questions:

  • What can I do to keep other persons safe during my activities?
  • Am I prepared to be held responsible for people I hurt or property I damage?
  • How do I make my home and yard safe for fun-seeking visitors?
  • Am I keeping my guests safe at various events?

While accidents happen, many can be prevented by making sure that you and your children enjoy your activities responsibly. Operating bikes safely and in low-traffic areas reduces the chance that others will be hurt. Similarly, the proper use of games and equipment lessens the likelihood that someone will be injured. In other words, it's important that your family uses sports and game equipment safely and appropriately. Adult supervision is critical for potentially dangerous activities, such as the use of motorized recreational equipment, trampolines, and swimming pools (including small wading pools). It's also important to make certain that guests you invite for camping or hiking trips are watched carefully. In many instances, you are responsible for the safety of your guests when you invite them to enjoy outdoor activities, particularly boating or other activities involving water-related equipment.

Another way to reduce the chance of persons being hurt is to do an inspection of your home and yard. Do you have an adequate fence (with a secure or self-locking gate) to protect young children from a pool or street when you're not around? Is your playground equipment well-maintained and strong enough to support the weight of the children using it? Are your yard and driveway free of tripping hazards? Are dangerous items such as tools, home and lawn chemicals, and lawn equipment kept out of reach of children? If you can answer "no" to any of these questions, you're inviting trouble.

How Insurance Plays a Role

When accidents happen, they may be followed by medical expenses and, more seriously, lawsuits. You need to be protected against such financial consequences. Don't assume you have coverage, especially when an activity involves motorized or powered equipment. You may have to add additional coverage to your homeowner's policy or even buy special coverage for items such as mini-bikes, mopeds, boats, all-terrain vehicles, etc.

Make safety and peace of mind an essential part of summer fun. Call the professional agents at Williams Insurance today.


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