Boating & Lake Safety
For more 100 years, the BRLA has supported safe boating on the Big Rideau Lake.
Shoal Markers
Water levels on Big Rideau Lake change significantly during the season. The BRLA installs and maintains 120 Coast Guard-Approved shoal markers every season. These are shown on the charts of the Rideau Canal system, identified as “Private” markers. Boaters are reminded that the shoal markers are there to help prevent mishaps. All boaters should familiarize themselves with the location of the markers as they are sometimes difficult to see in rough weather. At night, please use special caution by reducing your speed, using a spotlight to locate the reflective markings, and proceeding with caution. Please remember: two shoal markers together identify the extent of a shoal - go around, NOT between!
The 120 markers from Narrows Lock to Poonamalie Lock are installed each spring before the opening of the Canal, and they are then removed each fall after the Canal’s closing. Boaters and cottagers are asked to contact the BRLA if they notice any marker missing, sinking, or being mis-used. Please remember that tampering with these buoys is a safety hazard.
Many thanks to Andew Indewick of Nobles Bay who manages the Shoal Marker program and to our long- standing partner and local marine contractor, Steve Megee of Coolligan Carpentry who installs, removes and maintains the shoal markers.
Safe Boating Standards
All boats are required to carry safety equipment. What exactly must be carried depends on the type and size of boat (usually expressed in length from bow to stern.) All equipment should be checked regularly, be well maintained, and replaced if necessary.
The most important safety practice is the wearing of a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Depending on the nature of your boating activity, you can choose between the greater protection of a full lifejacket and the specialized comfort of a PFD. Recent advances in technology and design have produced a range of styles, colours, and performance options. There must be a Canadian approved lifejacket or PFD of the appropriate size for everyone on board. Almost 90% of the 180 Canadians (on average) who die every year in boating incidents were not properly wearing a lifejacket or PFD. Nearly 70% capsized or fell overboard from a small open boat. (2006/07 Canadian Red Cross 10-Year Drowning Report)
Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide is a wealth of information about safe boating practices and guidelines, and required reading for all boaters. Refer to our Resources page for links to other helpful information about safe boating practices.
Moorings
For your safety and that of other boaters on our lake, please be aware of the guidelines and rules related to mooring on Big Rideau Lake.
Contact us at info@bigrideaulakeassociation.com if you would like further information. If you have concerns about any boater's activities, please contact the OPP for assistance.
The Decibel Coalition
Steve Megee, Andrew Inderwick and Jesse McLellan aboard the Hester May
In July 2020, the BRLA Board of Directors officially endorsed the Decibel Coalition, and added our Association’s support to the work this group is doing.
BRLA members have long expressed concerns about excessive boat noise on the lake, and the effects it has on our safe enjoyment of the lake. The Decibel Coalition is a committee of the Safe Quiet Lakes organization (SQL), which was formed in reaction to the persistent and pervasive problems posed by excessive boat noise on Canadian waterways. SQL and the Decibel Coalition began in Muskoka and are moving to become national in scope. We share their concerns and were pleased to add our voice to theirs as we tackle this challenge.
The main objective of the Decibel Coalition is to enhance existing boat muffler legislation to include decibel limits. Decibel limits are legislated in many US states and the EU. The Coalition believes it is time to enhance Canadian legislation to include decibel limits for boat motor noise, as the current laws are weak and unenforceable.
Specifically, the Coalition is working to have Canadian Parliament pass a law to enhance and strengthen the existing Small Vessel Regulation SOR-2010-01 to include decibel limits for boat motor noise with efficient, effective enforcement processes.
In 2023, the Decibel Coalition announced they are enroute to having decibel limits for boat motor noise implemented in Canada by 2025 (earliest).
For more information about the Decibel Coalition and other programs within Safe Quiet Lakes, organization, click here for their website.