Parties Near Water Present Risk

Summer Parties Near Water Present Risks

by Art Glasgow, Peck-Glasgow Insurance

Each year a ritual of summer time parties are planned all over the country.  Pool parties and lake side parties are always popular with guests, but there are personal risks associated with parties near water.  It is important that we are aware of the risks and be prepared in the event of an accident.

Party host liability is one of the biggest risks associated with summer partiers.  As hosts we all want our guests to have a good time.  Asking guests to stop drinking is not pleasant and often puts a “downer” on the party.  However protecting your family and assets are far more important than the awkwardness of asking a guest to stop drinking.  As the party host, you can be held liable for accidents caused by over-served guests.

Here are a few social host liability tips:

• It’s best to avoid alcohol consumption when swimming. Always consume alcohol responsibly when swimming or  entertaining at your pool.
• Familiarize yourself with your state’s host liability laws and make sure you’re properly insured.
• Limit your guest list to those you know.
• Consider hosting your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office.
• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.

Let’s have fun this summer, but please be responsible and think ahead!!!  Please review these risks with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered!