Learn the Towing Rules for Safety so you can enjoy your summer out on the water in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba!
As watersport activities become more popular and diverse, it is important to know the Towing Rules and Regulations so that you and your towing companions can be safe on the water this summer.
One of the most important safety rules that we often see neglected along the waterways is not having a spotter to watch the people being towed.
Towing a water skier, wakeboarder, kneeboarder, or other towable device requires the use of a spotter. A spotter is a person who observes the person being towed at all times. The spotter notifies the driver if there is a need for a change in speed or direction as indicated by the towee’s hand signals. The spotter can also notify the driver in case of an emergency.
The driver should never watch the skier. The driver should always concentrate on safely driving the boat, keeping well clear of other boats, skiers, swimmers and hazards.
The following Rules and Regulations must be obeyed when participating in towing activities in Canada:
- A spotter must be in the boat at all times
- The towing vessel must be equipped with an extra seat for each person that is being towed in case an emergency recovery is necessary
- Only personal watercraft designed to carry three or more people can be used for towing a water-skier
- The person being towed must wear an approved flotation device (a ‘ski belt’ is not considered to be an approved flotation device)
- The towing vessel cannot be operated by remote control
- Do not tow water-skiers between one hour after sunset to sunrise
- It is a criminal offence, as governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, to tow a person after dark
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
