Results: Septic Tank Danger

A Calgary, Alberta family were on their way to Regina, Saskatchewan when they stopped at the tourist information centre for lunch. Their three daughters were playing on top of the septic tank, pretending it was a stage. The mother said she was standing next to the tank helping the two older children down when the 21 month old child fell in. The father jumped in and rescued the child and bystanders got a rope and pulled the two of them to safety. The toddler suffered a five-centimetre gash on the back of her head as a result of the fall, and seemed to exhibit concussion-like symptoms. Have you heard about this story?

The Ministry of Central Services has since ordered an immediate review of its 52 septic tanks and hatches throughout the province. The child's father said more could have been done to prevent the incident from happening in the first place. "Could have been a lot heavier lid, not a thin little plastic lid. It wasn't on properly." I think the parents hold some responsibility too. They watched as their little children played on the septic tank. Do you agree this accident could have been avoided?

When my children were little, we visited places in the country that had septic tanks, but we taught them about the dangers of falling in or off of one. ("It's toilet waste. Why would you want to play on a big smelly potty?") Did you teach your children about not playing on a septic tank?