Staying Safe on Ontario Lakes: Personal Injury Risks & Legal Rights

August 14, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Ontario’s lakes and waterways are at the heart of summer in the province. From Lake Simcoe to the Kawarthas and the Muskoka region to the Grand River, Southern Ontario residents and visitors alike flock to lakeside cottages, resorts, and recreational hotspots every summer. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are staples of seasonal leisure—but unfortunately, they also come with increased risk of personal injury.

Common Accidents on and Around the Water

Among the most frequent and severe summer injuries are those related to boating accidents. Whether due to speeding, operating under the influence, lack of boating experience, or failing to follow waterway rules, boating collisions can result in catastrophic outcomes. Jet skis and other personal watercraft add another layer of risk when not operated responsibly.

Slip and falls from wet, slippery docks or defective walkways are also a common source of injury. When docks are missing safety railings, are poorly lit, or are in disrepair, guests can easily lose their footing, leading to fractures, head injuries, or even drowning.

Recreational outfitters, campgrounds, and lakeside property owners owe a duty of care to those on their premises. This includes ensuring equipment is safe and functional, providing safety briefings for renters, and maintaining walkways, platforms, and docks in good condition.

Legal Liability and the Occupiers’ Liability Act

In Ontario, the Occupiers’ Liability Act governs the responsibilities of those who control access to property. This includes private cottage owners, municipalities managing beaches, and businesses offering boat rentals or waterfront accommodations. If an injury occurs due to unsafe conditions, the occupier may be held legally liable—especially if they failed to take reasonable steps to address known hazards.

Negligence may include:

• Allowing hazardous algae or slippery plant growth on docks
• Renting out malfunctioning equipment like boats or life vests
• Failing to warn about shallow water or submerged objects
• Not providing supervision or safety instructions during guided activities

Where negligence is proven, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

The Role of Evidence and Early Legal Support

If you or a loved one is injured during a lake-related activity, it’s critical to document as much as possible. Take clear photos of the area, capture images of any faulty equipment, gather witness statements, and seek medical attention right away. Maintain all receipts and medical records related to the injury.

Under Ontario’s personal injury law, claims must meet certain thresholds for compensation—especially in motor vehicle-related cases or where injuries are classified as minor. As of 2025, these thresholds and the statutory deductible for pain and suffering have increased. This means that even serious injuries could be subject to reductions in awarded damages unless the impairment is deemed permanent or serious.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help navigate this complex terrain, assess whether a claim meets the threshold, and advocate for your right to fair compensation. They can also ensure timely filing of claims within the applicable limitation periods—typically two years from the date of injury.

Proactive Safety and Legal Awareness

While the legal remedies are in place for those injured due to negligence, prevention is always the best course. Whether you’re a homeowner with lake access, a business offering water sports rentals, or a visitor enjoying a weekend on the water, taking simple precautions can prevent tragedy:

• Always wear life jackets when boating or paddleboarding
• Avoid alcohol while operating any watercraft
• Supervise children closely near water
• Check water depth before diving or jumping in
• Report unsafe public facilities to municipal authorities

Southern Ontario’s lakes should offer safe and relaxing environments for all. If your experience on the water results in injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The team at Deutschmann de Koning Law has deep experience in lake-related injury cases and can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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.