OUR MISSION: To be a leading voice in promoting safe, quiet waterways and respectful boating practices through education, advocacy and legislative change. | | |
Happy Canada Week!
We are happy to launch our newest education and awareness campaign after much collaboration with Lake associations and the Safe Wakes Coalition. As activities like wake surfing continue to grow in popularity we have worked together to create some good guidelines that work for everyone on the lake. A growing body of research conducted in Canada and the United States shows that enhanced wakes generated too close to shore or in shallow water contributes to shoreline erosion, lake bottom sediment disruptions and increased risks for swimmers, canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards.
Across North America, there is increasing attention on wake-enhanced sports, with a number of U.S. jurisdictions introducing guidelines and legislation related to distance from shore and depth of water. This initiative focuses on building awareness and encouraging consistent and responsible practices among boaters. We are leading with education materials on our website and would love to hear your comments.
Warm regards,
Diana Piquette
Chair, Safe Quiet Lakes
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Introducing Better Wake Zones
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This summer, Safe Quiet Lakes and the Safe Wakes Coalition are launching Better Wake Zones, a practical education initiative designed to help boaters enjoy wake-enhanced activities while reducing impacts on shoreline health, fish habitat, water quality, docks, and the safety of other lake users. Based on scientific research, Better Wake Zones identify areas where wake-enhanced boating can be conducted more responsibly: approximately 250 metres from shore and docks, in water at least 9 metres deep, with sufficient space for a safe run.
A key part of this initiative is a growing collection of interactive lake maps available at safequiet.ca, which help boaters visualize where these conditions exist on participating lakes.
Several Ontario lakes are already mapped, with more being added over time, providing a practical tool to support informed, responsible recreation and healthier lakes for everyone.
Access the maps here
| | Boating Safety & Etiquette | |
The One Boating Rule That Can Make You Partly Responsible for Someone Else’s Mistake
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From BoatBlurb.com
There is one marine regulation that completely changes the way boaters think about boating and dictates how they operate their boat. Surprisingly, few boaters know about this rule and even more do not understand its full implications.
The time it takes to read this short article could save you a boatload of grief.
You can find the full article here and subscribe to BoatBlurb here.
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Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide
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The official Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide (TP 511) is the comprehensive, reference manual published annually by the Office of Boating Safety to help recreational boaters navigate Canadian waters safely and legally. It outlines crucial emergency procedures, pre-departure checklists, and federal carriage regulations.
You can find the guide here.
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Share the Message with Others
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Help spread the word about safe, respectful boating and healthy lakes. Our new Safe Wakes postcards are now available for download and distribution. These cards are ideal for sharing with friends, neighbours, cottagers, and members of your lake association.
We also have newsletter articles, educational materials, and other resources available to help organizations and individuals promote boating safety, wake awareness, and shoreline stewardship. Whether you're preparing a newsletter, updating a website, or organizing a community event, we're happy to provide content and materials that can be shared with your members.
Download printable materials and resources at:
https://safequiet.ca/take-action/printable-material/
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From the Canadian Safe Boating Council
Transport Canada is considering proposed amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations that would expand mandatory lifejacket (PFD) wear requirements for recreational boating. While still under review, potential changes may require lifejacket use for children 12 and under, individuals in human-powered vessels such as canoes and kayaks, those being towed or wake surfing, and occupants of smaller open-deck powerboats under 6 metres while underway.
Regulatory pre-publication is expected in Spring 2027.
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B.C. organization urges residents to report noisy boats in anticipation of federal regulation updates
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From CBC News
Transport Canada is looking at changes to regulations on noise from boat engines, and organizations in B.C. are urging people to report excessively loud engines to shape future enforcement.
You can find the full article here.
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Summer outreach season is underway, and we look forward to connecting with residents, cottagers, and visitors across Muskoka. If you're attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello. We always enjoy meeting fellow lake users, answering questions, sharing resources, and hearing about the issues that matter most to you.
Farmers’ markets are running across Muskoka this season, and both MLA and Safe Quiet Lakes will be attending a number of them throughout the summer. These markets are a great opportunity to connect with community members, share information, and engage in conversations about healthy, safe, and enjoyable lakes.
The Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) - Saturday, July 11, 2026- Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst
The Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show - July 24–26, 2026 - Muskoka Wharf
Follow us on Instagram for news on where to find us https://www.instagram.com/safequietlakes/
| | New Boater's Code Signs Going Up | | |
Another step toward safer, more enjoyable boating on our lakes!
Our newly updated Boater’s Code signs continue to be installed across the region, including this recent addition at the Cove Marina in MacTier.
These signs help raise awareness of responsible boating practices and encourage everyone to do their part in protecting the safety, enjoyment, and peaceful character of our waterways.
Additional signs will be installed at locations throughout the region in the coming weeks as we continue working with our partners to promote safe, respectful, and quiet lakes for all.
Thank you to the marinas, municipalities, and community organizations helping to share this important message with boaters across Muskoka and beyond.
Organizations interested in installing a Boater’s Code sign at a public access point are encouraged to contact us at outreach@safequiet.ca for more information.
| | Bringing Our Survey Results to Municipal Councils | | |
Safe Quiet Lakes has already attended several municipal council meetings to present the findings of our 2025 Boating Survey, with several more delegations scheduled in the coming weeks.
These presentations help ensure that the voices of waterfront residents are heard directly by local decision-makers. We are sharing key survey findings related to boating safety, wake impacts, noise concerns, and the overall enjoyment of our lakes.
We appreciate the positive engagement we have received from councils so far and look forward to continuing these important conversations as we advocate for safer, quieter, and more enjoyable waterways throughout the region.
You can find the results of the survey here.
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Community Engagement Supports Healthy Lakes
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Safe Quiet Lakes was pleased to participate in MLA’s Family Seedling Day, where native seedlings were distributed and community members gathered to celebrate and protect Muskoka’s natural environment. The event highlighted the value of local stewardship and the shared commitment to preserving healthy shorelines and thriving lakes for future generations.
Safe Quiet Lakes representatives Timothy James and Diana Piquette recently partnered with the Muskoka Lakes Association to promote responsible stewardship through education and community engagement. They hosted the MLA’s Understanding Wake Impacts on Our Lakes webinar, which drew strong participation from residents committed to protecting the health, safety, and enjoyment of our waterways. The webinar explored the science behind wake impacts, shoreline erosion, aquatic habitats, and the importance of responsible boating practices.
A recording of the webinar is available on the Muskoka Lakes Association website at https://mla.on.ca/Webinars
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We build partnerships to encourage conversations about respectful boating and to lead change through education and advocacy. Your donation will help drive our programs.
Have questions? Contact us at outreach@safequiet.ca
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