Paddling Safety in Lac du Bonnet
Are you looking forward to getting out on the river or channel this summer with your paddle craft? We sure are! Whether you are new to paddling activities or have been doing it for years, STARTbotating.ca is a great online resource that provides you with information on what you need to know to go canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding safely. Learn the basics to safely enjoying paddling activities and be better prepared for life on the water this summer.
The Lee River and Pinawa Channel are beautiful waterways to paddle. For your best paddling experience, we suggest you:
1.Head out early before motorized vessel users take to the waters.
2. Paddle near the shoreline and stay away from heavy traffic areas.
3. Enjoy these waterways on the weekdays, when there is less traffic on the waterways.
4. Choose a bright colour such as red, yellow or orange for your lifejacket, kayak, canoe or other paddle vessels so that other boat operators can see you.
5. Keep signalling devices within easy reach in case of emergency.
6. Have fun and be safe by ensuring you pack your safety equipment, wear a life jacket, and be aware of your surroundings.
The legislation applies to everyone who uses a water body across the province from the general public to commercial operators.
The regulations target the method in which AIS are moved from one water body to another, namely watercraft, aircraft, motorized vehicles, water-related equipment and bait use. Individuals/operators will be required to take specified measures prior to entering and leaving a water body to prevent the movement of AIS from one water body to another.
For more information on the regulations, cleaning requirements, and legislation please visit Legislation, Regulations and Set Fines on the Government of Manitoba website. You can also find information about AIS in the Manitoba Angler’s Guide.
About the Safe Boating Ambassador Program
The Safe Boating Ambassador program is a community-driven initiative designed to increase boating safety and etiquette awareness in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba specific to the Lee River and Pinawa Channel. Working together, we will contribute to the education of safe waterway use by promoting:
1. Waterway safety, as governed by Transport Canada, and
2. General good boating etiquette for specific activities, focusing on those that occur on our waterways.
The Safe Boating Ambassadors are members of the boating community, avid paddlers, stand-up paddleboarders, wake surfers, water skiers, and boaters. The members will act as Waterway Safety Leaders for the community of Lac du Bonnet, sharing and encouraging all waterway users to safely partake in all waterway activities.
