Spring 2023 Newsletter

Chair’s Message

SPLASH! GASP! That's cold!

As the weather warms up, Canadian waters are still cold. The Canadian Safe Boating Council has designated May 20-26 Safe Boaters Week and a key message at this time of year is being cold-water safe. More than 60% of boaters who drowned did so in water less than 10C, and 43% were less than two metres from shore. The first thing that happens when falling into cold water is the gasp reflex, then hyper ventilation and rapid breathing. If you fall into cold water, don’t panic. Testing by the CSBC determines you have one minute to get your breathing under control, 10 minutes before the muscles in your extremities begin to lose function and an hour before hypothermia sets in and you lose consciousness. 

Let’s talk engine cut-off switches

Transport Canada has opened public consultations on installing and using engine cut-off switches on certain recreational vessels. The consultation period closes May 19th and the public is invited to share their views on potential new regulations. More information on how to do that can be found at this link.

An engine cut-off switch stops the propulsion system when the operator is unexpectedly ejected from the vessel. The safety feature protects operators from the spinning propeller and stops the vessel from moving through the water uncontrolled. The switches are usually “linked” to the operator via a mechanical lanyard or a wireless connection.

Currently, cut-off switches are only required on personal watercraft in Canada. The U.S. has required them to be installed on recreational vessels less than 26 feet (8 metres) since 2019, and in 2021 made it mandatory for boat operators to link themselves to their boat’s cut-off switch. 

Canada is considering similar legislation to the U.S., and now is the time to make Transport Canada aware of your views. Safe Quiet Lakes is also interested in your opinion on engine cut-off switches. Please answer our short survey.

Decibel Coalition is being heard

In the new federal boat noise regulations coming into force, Transport Canada has indicated they will include both stationary and shoreline testing procedures for enforcement. The Coalition considers this a positive step. Considerable time and effort working with enforcement agencies in Wisconsin and Minnesota has given the Coalition great insights on how best to enforce decibel limits – and both measures are key.

Why SQL engages in advocacy

Safe Quiet Lakes’ mission is to be a leading voice in promoting safe, quiet recreational waterways and respectful boating practices through education, advocacy and legislative change. Our vision is the enjoyment of safe, quiet waterways for all – boaters, non-boaters, wildlife, aquatic life, businesses and communities – for generations to come. To meet our mission and vision, SQL develops positions on regulatory issues for the following primary reasons:

• Requests from Transport Canada for comment on new vessel regulations or changes to established boating rules. PFDs and engine cut-off switches are two recent examples. 
• To formulate policy in response to our Your Lakes, Your Views Survey. For example, the proportion of residents supporting decibel limits on boat engines rose from 63% in our 2017 survey to 78% in 2021. As a result, SQL formed the Decibel Coalition to work with Transport Canada to bring in regulations on excessive boat engine noise. Another key area of concern is wakes – close to 80% of 2021 respondents said they supported no-wake zones in sensitive areas.



Our advocacy positions are based on evidence, learnings from other jurisdictions and scientific research, such as the effects of wakes on shoreline erosion. We believe in pro-active education, and encourage open dialogue with lake associations and all stakeholders. Please write to us to share your news and views.

Get Summer ready

Have you ordered your No Wake sign yet? The signs are designed to be used where boats need to have their bows down and no wake, which is 30 metres from shore, swimmers, other boats or docks.



The 24”x 24” signs are sturdy yet light and can be easily affixed to a boathouse or post. They cost $20, and can be ordered by emailing us at outreach@safequiet.ca.

We are hiring a summer Education and Awareness Coordinator

Safe Quiet Lakes is looking for an enterprising and outgoing post-secondary summer student to help us with our efforts to educate and promote safe and responsible boating behaviour. The role would mainly involve marketing and communications, social media outreach, meeting with the public, and organizing webinars. The position is remote work, but is based in Muskoka. Access to a car is essential. Some weekend and local activities. Interested candidates can contact us for more details or send their resumes and short cover letters by May 15th to outreach@safequiet.ca. The position is funded, in part, by the Canada Summer Jobs program.  

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