Be safe this summer with these PWC Safety Tips!
The Pinawa Channel and Lee River are very popular for Personal Watercraft users. Safe use of a personal watercraft (PWC) requires skill and experience. PWC operators must be at least 16 years old and have proof of competency and proof of age on board. Before you let someone borrow your PWC, you must make sure they know how to operate it safely and responsibly. Here are some other basic tips:
- Always wear a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD (inflatable PFDs are not allowed). Choose a bright colour for better visibility.
- Wear thermal protection when operating in cold water (water less than 15°C).
- Read the owner’s manual before setting out.
- Attach the engine shut-off line securely to your wrist or lifejacket, or PFD.
- Respect speed limits and other vessel operation restrictions.
- PWC can be used for towing activities, but the towing vessel must be equipped with an extra seat for each person that is being towed in case an emergency recovery is necessary
- Be cautious, courteous and respect your neighbours. Many people dislike the noise a PWC makes when it is operated for long periods at high speed in one place, especially when it is used to jump waves or do doughnuts in front of people’s property.
- Never try to spray swimmers, or cut in front of or try to jump the wake of other vessels. Some of the worst boating incidents happen when operators misjudge speed or distance.
- Be aware of the impact your PWC can have on the environment. Avoid high speeds near shore.
- Stay alert! It is hard to see swimmers, water skiers, divers, and other PWCs in time to avoid them at high speeds.
- Do not operate your PWC after dark or when visibility is poor.
- Make sure your PWC is properly licensed and marked.
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.
This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands. Let’s all do our part.
Volunteer to be a Safe Boating Ambassador
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 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
