Lake Safety
Weather Conditions
Before going out, check the weather forecast. During boating, monitor the weather conditions. If conditions feel unsafe, please exit the water in a calm manner.
Safe Operation
It is against the law to operate a vessel in a careless manner without due care and attention. You must take into account any circumstances that could pose a danger to your vessel or any other vessels and must not endanger the safety of anyone on the water.
The consumption of cannabis and alcohol on a vessel is strictly prohibited.
Life Jackets
Canadian law requires a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket for every person on board a pleasure craft. Approximately 90% of people who drown while boating were not properly wearing a PFD or lifejacket. It is strongly recommended that everyone wears their PFD or lifejacket at all times whenever they are on or near the water.
Bridge Clearance
Under normal circumstances the boat clearance under the bridge is only 5.2 feet. Please approach with extreme caution when traveling under the bridge.
Speed Limits
- North of the bridge: 12 km/h
- 30 meters from shore: 10 km/h
There is also a no-wake zone just south of the bridge. Click here or on the image below to download a map of locations and the full safety brochure.
Towing
Towing activities such as tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, or wake surfing are permitted but too many boats towing at one time on the lake can be dangerous. Responsible boaters should evaluate the traffic conditions on the lake before launching a towing activity.
If it is deemed unsafe for towing activities – the driver/operator shall not start OR shall immediately end their towing activities until it is safe to continue.
NEVER directly follow behind any vessel that is engaged in towing activities.
NEVER jump the wake of any vessel that is engaged in towing activities. This type of behaviour is considered careless and/or unsafe operation under the Small Vessel Regulations, Section 1007, and may be reported to Municipal Enforcement.
Boat Traffic & Courtesy
Non-motorized boats ALWAYS have the right of way.
This includes sail boats, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes.
Wakes
NEVER operate your vessel in a manner where the vessel’s wake interferes with the safety of other vessels or surrounding users.
NEVER jump your own wake or the wake of any other vessel in a careless or unsafe manner.
Non-motorized Vehicles
To avoid high traffic corridors used by motorized vessels, it is encouraged that any non-motorized vessels follow the perimeter of the south side of the lake.
The North side of the Lake has a 12km/hr speed limit, which reduces the amount of motorized vessels and the size of their wakes. This is a preferred location for any non-motorized vessels.
Mandatory Safety Equipment
All vessels must have the following safety equipment on board:
- Canadian approved PFD or lifejacket. It must be of the appropriate size for each person on board or being towed.
- Buoyant heaving line of 15m (50’)
- Watertight flashlight
- Sound signaling device (gas / electric horn or whistle)
Safety equipment must be in good working order and readily available for immediate use whenever your vessel is on the water.
Other Safety Requirements
Depending on the vessel’s length, type, and the conditions the vessel is operated in, additional safety equipment may be required on board, such as:
- Life buoy attached to buoyant line 15 m (50’);
- Re-boarding device / ladder;
- Anchor with the required length of cable, rope, or chain;
- Bailer, manual bilge pump, or bilge pump arrangement;
- Navigation lights;
- Fire extinguisher; and/or
- Manual propelling device (paddle)
