Boy's drowning in Auburn Bay sparks safety concerns about community lakes
'Swim at your own risk' signs not enough, says Calgary lawyer
The drowning of a seven-year-old boy last week is raising concerns about safety at community lakes.
Lakes similar to the one at Auburn Bay where the tragedy occurred do not have a lifeguard on duty. The boy was pulled from the lake on Friday evening in the city's southeast. He was taken to the nearby South Health Campus where he died shortly after.
"There is a swim-at-our-own-risk policy that was voted on by the board," said Gisele Danis, a spokesperson for Brookfield Residential, the community's developer.
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There are also many signs warning residents that there is no lifeguard on duty, said Danis. The community's waterfront rules are part of a contract that homeowners sign when they move in, she added.
However Calgary lawyer Stephen Nelson say signs at the lake may warn about the dangers, but they are not enough to be a contract or a waiver of liability when it comes to children.
"Minors are not able to enter into contracts," said Nelson.
Meanwhile, the Auburn Bay community association is scheduled to hold a meeting next week on the issue.