Fellow home inspector Bryan Freeman shared the following story that goes to show that the U.S.A. does not have the market cornered on "Ignorance In Action" awards.

I have a balcony story that was just in the news here in London, Ontario, Canada.

Last week the local police issued a warning to a man who had an inflatable above ground pool and no fence around the property. He was told to remove the pool or install a fence. This smart individual figured that the 42 inch guard rail around his 2nd floor balcony was good enough to beat the by law requirement. He hauled the inflatable to the balcony, filled it up with water and jumped in. The neighbour reported hearing an awful crash, a scream and the whole issue came splashing down. The balcony was lag bolted to the sill plate and it was approximately 25 years old. The poor ignorant soul is now recovering in hospital with numerous broken bones and a summons to deal with for a pool fence infraction. Takes all kinds. Regards, Bryan Freeman London, Ontario