A disturbing trend in the data Safe Quiet Lakes (SQL) has been collecting over the past ten years has been a decline in the feeling of safety on the water. People love the lakes and want to preserve them, but an increase in boat noise, traffic and speeds, and a decline in perception of safety has negatively impacted the overall quality of lake experience.
Since 2013, SQL has been conducting lake user surveys on key issues in Muskoka and Georgian Bay, with the most recent Your Lakes, Your Views survey, in 2021, receiving close to 6,000 respondents. Just over half of the people, 52%, perceive that the level of their safety on the water has gone down.
One pronounced trend from the latest survey was the disproportionate number of people concerned about personal watercraft (PWC). Despite PWCs making up five to seven per cent of boat traffic, they were one of the top complaints. Chief among people’s concerns were noise, inexperienced operators, PWCs travelling too fast and too close to shorelines, swimmers and other boaters. “Common courtesy needed by PWC operators with respect to noise, antics and speed,” reads one comment from the 2021 survey.
This correlates with another significant lake use trend -- a marked increase in the number of people using kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Paddling brings a unique appreciation of risk and vulnerability. Respectful boating ensures everyone can enjoy the water. To learn more, the Muskoka Lakes Association has several online webinars on Becoming a Better Boat Driver, including Safe and Enjoyable PWCing.
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