BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Over 10 million boaters enjoy Canada’s waterways each year. That means that as a boat operator, you’ll be sharing the waterway with a lot of people. And you definitely don’t want to be ‘that guy’ who thinks he owns the whole lake.

To make sure you and your fellow boaters enjoy your time on the water, it’s important for all boaters to:

• Be knowledgeable of and abide by the Collision Regulations
• Use common courtesy when underway
• Never operate close to swimmers and/or the personal property of others
• Ensure that your boat’s wake and wash will not swamp other smaller boats, cause personal injury, erosion of the shoreline, or damage to personal property

Operating Near Swimmers 

Operating a motorized boat near swimmers is extremely dangerous and against the law. Always keep well away from designated swimming areas.

Swimming areas in Canada are designated by swimming buoys that are white in colour. However, not all swimming areas may be marked. When operating near shore, keep a lookout for swimmers, including those persons engaged in underwater activities such as snorkeling or diving.

Remember that the sun’s glare can make it difficult to spot swimmers in the water. Operators should wear polarized sunglasses when underway.