
Volunteer to be a Safe Boating Ambassador
ABOUT THE LDB SAFE BOATING AMBASSADORS: JOIN US IN MAKING OUR WATERWAYS SAFER!
Are you passionate about boating? Do you want to ensure everyone enjoys our beautiful waterways in Lac du Bonnet with safety and respect? Then the LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors program is calling out to you! We are a dynamic, community-driven initiative dedicated to increasing boating safety and etiquette awareness, specifically on the Lee River and Pinawa Channel. Together, we can make a real impact and contribute to the education of safe waterway use.
Who Are We?
Our team of LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors consists of individuals who share a love for boating. Whether you’re an avid paddler, stand-up paddleboarder, wake surfer, water skier, or boater, you’ll find like-minded individuals among us. We believe that by acting as Waterway Safety Leaders, we can inspire and encourage all waterway users to participate safely in their favourite activities.
LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors: Goals for Safer Waterways
During our Community Engagement Process in 2020, we realized the importance of implementing non-regulatory measures to prioritize safety on the water. The LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors have set ambitious goals that span multiple years, starting in the summer of 2021 and extending into the foreseeable future. By volunteering with us, you’ll be contributing to the following:
Waterway Safety Campaign: We aim to create an engaging Waterway Safety Campaign using various touchpoints to educate and inform all user groups. From a dedicated website and social media channel to educational videos, newspaper ads, brochures, and more, we’ll ensure that boaters have access to essential information on safe boating practices and waterway etiquette.
Personal Engagement: We believe in making a direct impact. That’s why we’ll be present at the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet Boat Launches and Cottage Owner Cooperatives, engaging with the public one-on-one to promote safety protocols and ensure maximum visibility of our message.
Collaborative Efforts: We recognize that safety is a community effort. By partnering with Lac du Bonnet’s Emergency Management Program, Tourism Committee, and Community Development Corporation, we can extend the reach of our safety measures and education initiatives, making a bigger impact together.
User Group Collaboration: We’ll work closely with specific user groups to enhance their knowledge of safety protocols and best practices to follow. By advocating for safe waterway use and facilitating open discussions, we can create a culture of safety that benefits all waterway users.
Site-Specific Signage: High-risk areas demand special attention. That’s why we plan to install physical signage at crossing points and waterway attractions known to cause congestion. By raising awareness in these critical areas, we can prevent accidents and ensure smooth navigation.
User-Enforced Flagging System: We’re exploring the development of a user-enforced flagging system. This system would allow boaters to alert others about hazards such as submerged objects or ongoing towing activities. By fostering communication and collaboration among boaters, we can enhance safety on the water.
Join the LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors in Making Our Waterways Safer!
We invite you to be a part of the LdB Safe Boating Ambassadors. By volunteering your time, skills, and passion, you’ll play a crucial role in creating a safer boating community. Together, we can make our waterways a haven for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the scene, your dedication and enthusiasm are invaluable!
Ready to take action? Reach out to us today and become a Safe Boating Ambassador. Let’s make Lac du Bonnet’s waterways safer and more enjoyable for all!
During the summer of 2020, the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet created a VORR Committee to examine the recreational waterway use of the Lee River and Pinawa Channel and make recommendations for improving the safe usage of these waterways by all recreational users.
The Committee defined the areas of most significant concern affecting safety and shoreline erosion on the Pinawa Channel and Lee River through feedback collected in the Public Consultation Process. These areas are high traffic, speed, conflicting activities and uses, a lack of boating education and etiquette that leads to an undesired behavioural culture, and large waves created by wake boats.
Problems, Causes, and Behaviours
The problems, causes, and behaviours addressed contribute to the unsafe conditions of the Pinawa Channel and Lee River. Both bodies of water are navigable waterways, which means that equitable access for all users and activities is required by Federal law. Understanding the shared values and interests held by all of the users of these waterways is essential for:
- Lawful compliance and enforcement,
- Equality for users and the various recreational activities that take place on the waterways; and
- Support successful efforts to build and sustain behaviour changes and safety outcomes.
Solutions
In terms of developing solutions, a multi-level approach is required to address the causes and correct the problems that make these waterways unsafe for recreational users and harm the environment.
The enforcement of current regulations needs to increase. The education and etiquette deficits need to be addressed through training and a cultural shift on the waterways. Additional regulations need to be put in place to protect the users and set the tone for all safety measures.
As such, a VORR Application has been submitted for review to Transport Canada to help define the rules and regulations for safe operations on the Pinawa Channel and Lee River and a Safe Boating Ambassador Program has been established to promote safe and equitable use of the Pinawa Channel and Lee River by a community of peers.
The introduction of wake boats on the Pinawa Channel and Lee River has created a significant and contentious issue among recreation users on both bodies of water. Wake boat ownership and use along these bodies of water have been increasing over the past five years. The primary issue is the enhanced wake created by wake boats when travelling at low speeds with full or partially full ballasts. 1,000 to 3,000 pounds of water can be taken into the ballast tank, depending on its size, to increase the boat’s displacement, shape the wake and create artificial waves for surfing.
The continued use of wake boats, specifically on the Pinawa Channel and the narrow sections of the Lee River, has contributed to accelerated shoreline erosion, caused damage to personal property, swamped boats of other recreational users, and created a growing safety concern along the waterways.
Causes of Large Wakes
In terms of large wakes and waves generated along the Pinawa Channel and Lee River, research and the Public Consultation Process have produced the following causes:
- Since the introduction of wake boats on waterways across the globe, wakeboarding and wake surfing have become contentious issues worldwide. Many communities struggle with the enhanced waves created by these vessels, which on the Pinawa Channel and Lee River have been reported to be between three feet and six feet high.
- Wake boat ownership is increasing, and the sport of wake surfing continues to grow in popularity.
- As wake boats and the watersports associated with them, such as wake surfing and wakeboarding, become more popular and technology is further developed, the boats being manufactured and purchased are getting larger. Manufacturers provide the ability to accommodate even more displacement value by increasing ballast, with some models boasting up to 5,000 pounds of water taken into the boat, which further increases the size of the wake, or wave, being created.
- Years ago, these boats were a high-ticket item. While some models can still cost more than $200,00, lower-cost options have hit the market, coming in at around $56,000. The lower price ticket makes wake boats more accessible to more people resulting in increased usage.
- The use of wake boats for wake surfing is the direct cause of the large wake and wave problems identified.
- Wave height is one of the most important factors in shoreline erosion. Observations made by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have shown that:
- a wave that is 12.5 cm high (the height of a compact disk case) when it reaches the shore does not cause significant shoreline damage. Waves this high are created by boats operating at speeds under 10 km/h – a rate that is generally considered reasonable when operating close to shore
- a wave that is 25 cm high is four times more destructive than a 12.5 cm wave
- 5 cm high waves are 25 times more destructive
- Wake boats, specifically for wake surfing, create waves that are 91 cm high to 183 cm high.
- The size of a waterway affects the potential for erosion to occur. The greater the distance generated waves are from shore, the more opportunity they have to dissipate before reaching shore, reducing the effect they have on shoreline erosion.
- The composition of the shoreline is also a determining factor in how a shoreline will be impacted and affected by natural and human causes of erosion.
Operating Behaviours that Add to the Cause
Specific operating behaviours contributing to the cause of the problem include:
- Wake boat operators operating too close to shorelines and other watercraft, creating large, unsafe waves for wake surfing, create hazardous conditions for different users and accelerate shoreline erosion.
- Wake surfers prefer the calm waters of the Pinawa Channel and Lee River over the larger and safer areas to operate.
Speeding concerns were another problem identified during the Public Consultation Process. In particular, respondents reported speeding concerns related to personal watercraft operators. Speed is of general concern when hundreds of recreational users enjoy water bodies at a time. The safety concern of speed, combined with high traffic congestion at narrow points of the bodies of water, is an accident waiting to happen.
The speed of vessels is also of noted concern at two crossing points.
The first is where the Lee River meets the Pinawa Channel at Coordinates 50° 16’ 12” N – 95° 52 46 W; under the PTH 313 bridge. Granite outcroppings make this a very narrow passing, and it is the only entrance onto or exiting from the Pinawa Channel. The water is also very shallow and further reduces the passable course vessels can take. Increasing the safety hazard is a lack of sight as the pathway curves southwest.
The second point is on the Lee River at Coordinates 50° 18’ 41” N – 95° 51’ 29” W. All vessels south of this point use this passing to reach the broader parts of the Lee River or travel to Lac du Bonnet Lake. All vessels north of this point use this passage to reach the southern part of the Lee River. Two granite outcroppings jut out of the water. The river on either side of these outcroppings is very shallow, with a granite riverbed, forcing all traffic to travel between them.
Vessel Operation Speed Causes
In terms of vessel operation speed on the waterways, research and the Public Consultation Process have produced the following causes:
- Technology is a leading factor in this problem whereby motorized vessels on the waterways today are more prominent and faster than 20 years ago.
- Lack of education and proper waterway etiquette are contributing factors where speed is concerned.
- Speed often became a safety concern when operating vessels near shorelines and other watercraft and during times when impaired driving is observed.
- Many vessel operators exceed the governed speed of 10 km within 30 m of the shoreline.
Operating Behaviour Causes
Specific operating behaviours contributing to the cause of the problem include:
- Personal watercraft users continue to drive at high speeds, weaving through other waterway traffic in times of congestion.
- Motorized user groups do not alter their speed while approaching and passing non-motorized vessels (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) users.
Personal watercraft users are a leading contributing factor with speed concerns, particularly in regards to the ability these vessels have to change direction quickly, the erratic driving patterns the operators make while weaving in and out of other boat traffic, crisscrossing across the waterway, or driving in circles around other users, and near shorelines.
Participants identified several conflicts, including conflicts between high-impact water sports and leisurely recreation activities, the impact of towing activities and personal watercraft use activities (erratic driving, proximity to shore and other vessels, and speed), and the potential for danger arising from hundreds of users participating in all possible recreational activities during peak periods, specifically along the Pinawa Channel and the narrow sections of the Lee River.
Causes of Conflicting Activities
In terms of conflicting activities and uses on the waterways, research and the Public Consultation Process have produced the following causes:
- An increase in users since the 1990s and an increased diversity of usage, with the addition of larger and more powerful boats, has compounded this problem.
- There are more intensive and varied recreational activities on the waterways, which are continually evolving.
- Increased usage of the relatively static, narrowly confined water surfaces is placing more demands on these resources.
- There is a drastic variation in water users’ and craft operators’ experience, skill levels, education, interests and consideration for and understanding of other user groups.
- There is enhanced visibility and prominence of safety and environmental issues.
- There are varied attitudes and perceptions about recreation activities, waterway safety, water resources, and environmental impact.
Operating Behaviours Contributing to the Cause
Specific operating behaviours contributing to the cause of the problem include:
- Personal watercraft users travel close to other vessels to jump wakes and waves.
- Wake surfers are creating large waves, swamping and capsizing other watercraft.
- Vessel operators travel too closely to tow activities; if a skier or tube occupant is sent into the water, there is significant concern that they will be run over by other vessels.
- There is an increase in the number of operators who travel too close to other vessels, especially in high traffic times.
Disclaimer: The information provided in our articles about waterway safety in Lac du Bonnet is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, it may not be up-to-date or applicable to every situation. Consult official sources and local authorities for the most current and accurate information. Our articles do not substitute professional advice, and readers should exercise their own judgment and consider their specific circumstances. We are not liable for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information provided. Follow applicable laws, regulations, and safety guidelines and seek professional advice when needed. Waterway activities carry inherent risks, and individuals are responsible for their own safety. The content may change without notice. Consult local authorities for specific concerns or questions regarding waterway safety in Manitoba.

AIS, or Aquatic Invasive Species, pose a significant threat to our water bodies, affecting both the environment and recreational activities. It is crucial that we all play our part in preventing their spread.
Whether you’re a casual boater or a commercial operator, the legislation applies to everyone who enjoys the province’s waterways. These regulations focus on the movement of AIS through various means such as watercraft, aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and bait use. Prior to entering or leaving a water body, individuals and operators are required to take specific measures to ensure AIS does not transfer from one location to another.
To learn more about these important regulations, including cleaning requirements and legislation, please visit the Legislation, Regulations, and Set Fines section on the Government of Manitoba website. Additionally, you can find valuable information about AIS in the Manitoba Angler’s Guide, helping us all stay informed and safeguard our beloved water resources. Read more here
About Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba
Lac du Bonnet is where the Manitoba Prairies give way to the vast boreal forest and the Canadian Shield, where miles of natural trails allow you to hear nature’s sounds and relax within her bounty. In Lac du Bonnet, miles of prime waterways stretch out before you, calling you toward your next adventure, and a rich history remains to be discovered among the ruins. Culture and arts flourish along the streets where neighbours gather for events and festivals, inviting you to discover the true passion behind our community.
Lac du Bonnet is more than a place on the map; it is the place that connects with your heart. The place where you will create a lifetime of memories and unleash the adventure to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
This year we invite you to explore Lac du Bonnet and discover that your heart is home here!
Get in Touch with My LdB
Do you have questions about your visit to Lac du Bonnet? Get in touch with our trip advisors and we’ll help you out. You can also give us a call at 1-204-213-0033