Children, Summer Holidays and Preventable Injuries: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe in Ontario

July 24, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

School's Out—Keep Summer Safe

Summer is a time for bike rides, swimming, camping, cottage weekends and outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it's also when many preventable childhood injuries occur.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we've seen how a single accident can change a family's life forever. Fortunately, many serious injuries can be prevented with awareness, supervision and a few simple safety precautions.

Water Safety Comes First

Whether it's a backyard pool, cottage, river or lake, water is one of summer's greatest hazards.

• Always supervise young children within arm's reach.
• Never let children swim alone.
• Ensure pools are properly fenced and secured.
• Enrol children in swimming lessons.
• Wear approved life jackets when boating or participating in water sports.
• Never rely on inflatable toys as flotation devices.

The recent tragedies at Guelph Lake are a heartbreaking reminder that drowning can happen quickly and quietly, regardless of swimming ability.

Bikes, E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Know the Rules

Cycling is a great way for children to stay active, but parents should understand Ontario's laws before allowing children to ride.

• Bicycles: There is no minimum age, but riders under 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• E-bikes: Riders must be at least 16 years old, and all riders must wear an approved helmet.
• E-scooters: Riders must be at least 16 years old in municipalities participating in Ontario's e-scooter pilot program. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and helmets are strongly recommended for everyone.

Parents should also teach children to:

• Obey traffic laws.
• Stay off their phones while riding.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing intersections.
• Never carry passengers on e-bikes or e-scooters unless the vehicle is specifically designed for them.

A properly fitted helmet remains the single most effective way to reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

Backyard Fun Can Turn Dangerous

Many summer injuries happen at home.

Take extra care around:

• Trampolines – One jumper at a time, with adult supervision.
• Playgrounds – Check for broken equipment, loose surfaces and hot metal slides.
• Campfires and BBQs – Keep children a safe distance away and never leave fires unattended.
• Windows and Decks – Install window guards where needed and inspect decks, railings and stairs regularly.

ATVs Are Not Toys

ATVs and off-road vehicles can cause devastating injuries.

Children should only operate vehicles appropriate for their age and experience while wearing an approved helmet and under close adult supervision. Always follow the manufacturer's age recommendations and never allow impaired or reckless riding.

Heat Safety Matters

Children become dehydrated and overheat more quickly than adults.

During hot weather:

• Encourage frequent water breaks.
• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Dress children in lightweight clothing.
• Never leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.

Dog Bite Prevention

Even well-behaved dogs can bite when frightened or startled.

Teach children to:

• Ask permission before petting a dog.
• Avoid unfamiliar dogs.
• Never disturb a dog while it's eating or sleeping.
• Stay calm if approached by an unfamiliar dog.

Young children should always be supervised around dogs.

What Should Parents Do After a Serious Injury?

If your child is seriously injured:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Document the accident with photographs if it is safe to do so.
• Preserve any damaged equipment.
• Obtain witness information.
• Keep all medical records and receipts.
• Contact an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer if negligence may have contributed to the injury.

Early action helps protect both your child's health and your legal rights.

When Does an Injury Become a Legal Matter?

While many childhood accidents are unavoidable, others result from negligence.

Examples include:

• Unsafe playgrounds.
• Poorly maintained pools.
• Dangerous property conditions.
• Defective recreational equipment.
• Motor vehicle collisions.
• Dog attacks.
• Inadequate supervision.

If another person's negligence caused your child's injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.

A Safe Summer Starts With Smart Choices

• Most childhood injuries are preventable.
• Wear helmets.
• Wear life jackets.
• Stay hydrated.
• Slow down.
• Supervise children closely.

These simple steps can help ensure summer is remembered for family fun—not a trip to the emergency room.

If your child has been seriously injured because of someone else's negligence, the experienced team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law is here to help. We'll explain your legal rights, answer your questions and help your family pursue the compensation needed to support your child's recovery.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.