Summer is fast approaching and with it comes the urge for many to retreat to the water. Whether for travel, work, or just plain fun, Muskoka’s lakes and rivers are among the major benefits and charms of this region.
For the enjoyment of all, they need to be used safely and sustainably. That’s where Safe Quiet Lakes comes in.
Safe Quiet Lakes is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2011 by representatives of lake associations in Muskoka. Their self-proclaimed mission is to “make the Muskoka lakes safer and quieter to ensure the sustainable enjoyment of a treasured shared resource.” The organization works collaboratively with community stakeholders to help promote their objective.
This year marks the third Safe Quiet Lakes survey, which they have conducted every four years since 2013 to better understand the activities and concerns of lake users.
According to Diana Piquette, the chair of the organization, the first two surveys “uncovered that three main areas of concern were safety, noise, and boat traffic. Respondents felt that these were the key areas that impacted the enjoyment of their water experience.”
The results of the surveys are shared with elected officials, the OPP, Transport Canada, and all participating lake associations. This allows these parties to gain a better awareness and understanding of the community’s views towards noise and safety on the water and, in turn, allows them to take action accordingly.
“Safe Quiet Lakes is a data-driven organization and uses the survey results to structure their priorities and action plan,” Piquette says.
The results of the 2021 survey, which is being conducted in partnership with Algonquin College, will be made available to the public on the Safe Quiet Lakes website later in the summer.
Piquette says that Safe Quiet Lakes “represents the interests of residents, cottagers, municipal governments, as well as local businesses on the water.” The organization encourages widespread education and conversation, and wishes for everyone to be able to enjoy the water, be they a boater, paddler, or swimmer.
Safe Quiet Lakes also created the Decibel Coalition, which is now a national group working to enhance legislation to bring in decibel limits for boat engine noise.
Respect and consideration for others while on the water is a major theme for the organization.
Piquette offers this advice to water users: “Be respectful of the rules of the road while driving a boat, understand regulations, become educated around respectful boating tips, be mindful of safety.” She also points to the Canadian Safe Boating Council as a useful resource and advises the community to refer to their website for further boating safety information.
It is important to remember that the water belongs to us all—residents, visitors, and wildlife alike—and, while enjoying the lakes and rivers, to be mindful of sharing them with all those around you. “Be attentive to each other,” Piquette says, a simple notion that can have big impact.
For more information on Safe Quiet Lakes and to participate in this year’s survey, visit safequiet.ca.
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I was wondering if FOCA was supportive, standing behind (lobbying with) Safe Quiet Waters attempts to gain support of Govt. ETC in changing the law regarding the need for all boaters to have a safe boating card.
Hunters Bay in Huntsville has become a zoo on Saturday afternoons.We have a very busy boat launch,a new marina and a waterski course.Add to this wake boarders and boats towing tubes with small children and you have a recipe for disaster .Wake boats are designed to make the largest wake possible,which eroade the shore line especially in a small bay.What about the canoes,small aluminum boats and sail boats or wake board paddlers safety.We need a enforced speed limit before someone is seriously heart
Having boated on a very regular basis over the last 10 years in Lk Muskoka and the Muskoka lakes, the biggest concern is lack of safety practices by undeniable boat renters. We moor our boat near Marriott Gravenhurst and we can attest to horrible, frightening and unbelievable situations with boat renters from a local rental outfit, with renters whom have little, really no experience and NO boating license. This is creating potential for serious accidents on the waterways, and it’s high time that new regulations for operating a boat to include hands on instruction and permanent licensing for ALL boaters to better protect all of us. Boat renters are observed abandoning their watercraft still running out in the water (not docked) , going forward instead of reverse at the dock at the shore, not observing buoys, no observing no wake zones, and the list goes on. Time for intervention!!