OUR MISSION: Make the Muskoka lakes safer and quieter to ensure the sustainable enjoyment of a treasured shared resource
Chair’s Message
Hello and happy May long weekend!

The May long weekend has always marked the unofficial start of the cottage season. It is an exciting weekend as we get onto the water to enjoy the beauty of Muskoka in spring. And as we do that, we
should be alert to cold water and safety best practices. A good reminder of the various ways to stay safe
on the water are shown on the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s safety videos.

Safe Quiet Lakes is very happy to announce that we have added 2 new directors on our board. Larry Johns has an executive background in technology and finance and has recently served on the Muskoka Lakes Association board as Treasurer. Wanda Walkden has an executive background in human resources, corporate communications and experience in leading health and safety education. As we welcome these new board directors, we would also like to thank Greg Wilkinson who is retiring from the board. Greg was a founding member of Safe Quiet Lakes and led our advocacy efforts. He has devoted an enormous amount of time and passion in promoting safe boating. We are grateful for his many contributions and for the sparkling wit he brought to every occasion.

The 2021 Your Lakes, Your Views Survey has launched and we would like your input! Safe Quiet Lakes sets our priorities based on the data from the survey, so we want to hear what is important to you. Over the years we have fielded one of the most comprehensive surveys of lake users conducted in Ontario. Our last survey had over 3,300 responses. The insights from these responses have been used by local and federal governments and by lake associations as a basis for developing programs and strategies. For us they form the basis of our actions and priorities.

Our 2021 Survey is in partnership with over 40 lake associations in Muskoka and Georgian Bay, along with the Marketing Research and Business Intelligence program of Algonquin College. The survey is open to all between May 20th and July 12th . We encourage everyone in your household to complete it so that we get everyone’s views. The survey results report will be made public in late August. Click here to have your views heard. Our summer Outreach programs will include webinars and some new signs and educational material. As always, please feel free to contact me with ideas or questions: [email protected]
Enjoy your long weekend!

Warm regards,

Diana Piquette
Chair, Safe Quiet Lakes
Your Lakes, Your Views Survey
We are excited to announce that Safe Quiet Lakes is conducting its third lake activity survey. The 2021 “Your Lakes, Your Views” survey is launching May 20th and will be open until early July.  Results will be shared in late August. This is a survey that gathers the experiences and opinions of all who use and love the waterways in the Muskoka and Georgian Bay regions.
Canadian Safe Boating Week
The CSBC Safe Boating Awareness Week messages this season are:

  1. Wear Your Lifejacket 
  2. Boat Sober 
  3. Be Prepared, You and Your Boat 
  4. Take a Boating Course 
  5. Be Aware of Cold-Water Risks
New Materials
New No Wake Sign
In our ongoing efforts to mitigate destructive wakes on the waters we have developed a new NO WAKE sign to be available this summer. The feedback in our test area last summer was unanimous the messaging had to be stronger and clearer and we think we have delivered. Created in consultation with Transport Canada we hope to encourage boaters to make the responsible wake choices this summer. Signs will be available in June and will cost $20.00 + shipping. Please contact [email protected] to place an order.
New Renters Postcard & Other Materials
We have some great new materials. Our renters post cards are an excellent way to gently remind renters to share the lakes and practice respectful boating. To order any of our materials, please contact our Outreach Coordinator at [email protected]
About Us
About Safe Quiet Lakes

Safe Quiet Lakes is a not-for-profit community group of boaters that promote safe, respectful boating.

We believe that positive, grass root conversations and education are important drivers of change. We created the Boater’s Code to help get the conversation started. 
Please click the image to watch a video about our programs.
Our Sponsors