Boaters urged to sail sober and be prepared ahead of Safe Boating Awareness Week

A truck slowly backs up its boat into Barrie's Marina Fri., May 1, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS BARRIE

Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC)’s nation wide campaign, Safe Boating Awareness Week, kicks off on Monday.

The CSBC’s annual campaign aims to do as the name suggests, highlight the need for increased safety, awareness and education on all things boating.

“Safe boating isn’t just a week-long focus, it’s a year-round commitment,” said Peter Heard, Chair of CSBC.

According to CSBC, 12 million Canadians hit the waterways each year. The organization is reminding boaters to wear a life jacket, sail sober, have an emergency plan, take proper boating education and be cold water safe.

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South Simcoe Police is one of the many local police forces that monitors boaters on Lake Simcoe. In 2024, the police force claims it spent more than 200 hours patrolling on the lake.

In a statement to CTV News, the police force said it will be monitoring boating activity and paying particular attention to impaired operation of vessels, reckless behaviour and compliance with boating regulations.

“Impaired boating carries the same serious penalties as impaired driving on our roads and can result in criminal charges, fines, licence suspensions, and even imprisonment. Operators may also face vessel seizures and other enforcement measures,” South Simcoe Police said.

For more information on safe boating, a number of educational videos can be found on the CSBC’s website.