The OPP is reminding boaters of shoreline speed limits after receiving complaints that some boaters are speeding near public beaches and other areas, putting both swimmers and other vessel occupants at risk.
A provincewide shoreline speed restriction of 10 km/h within 30 meters of shore is in effect whether posted or not, police said in a news release. Exceptions include:
- Towing where the boat is heading on a 90-degree angle from the shoreline
- Rivers less than 100 m wide, as well as canals and buoyed channels
- Areas where Transport Canada-approved speed limits are already in place.
Operator must be aware of their surroundings and know the consequences of boat wake such as:
- Adverse effect on the operation of other vessels (smaller or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre)
- Those enjoying other water activities, swimming, fishing, etc.
- Erosion of shorelines and destruction to wildlife habitat
- Damage to moored boats and docks.
"Operating in a dangerous manner" is operating a pleasure craft or any water skis, surfboard, water sled, or other towed device in a manner that causes danger to the public given the nature and condition of the waters and the activities that may reasonably be expected to occur at that time, police said.
Do not:
- Buzz other boats or PWCs
- Try to spray swimmers with the wake from your pleasure craft
- Cut in front of or try to jump the wake of other boats or PWCs.
Vessel operators must has a valid pleasure craft operator card, as well as all necessary safety equipment required by law for the style and size of their vessel, including approved personal flotation device or lifejacket, appropriate for the size of all onboard.
Impaired boating is impaired driving. Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, police said. "There is no difference between impaired driving and impaired boating in the eyes of the Criminal Code of Canada."
For more information on boat safety, equipment requirements for your boat and recreational boating laws, visit: www.boatingsafety.gc.ca
