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Boating

• Yellow Buoys

The Association adopted a Boater's Code in 2015 (see below), then in 2018 started using yellow buoys in response to Eurasian milfoil. See Yellow Buoys for milfoil guidelines, e.g., 

• all boaters should avoid beds of milfoil

• motorized boats should operate in deep water, staying clear of yellow buoys.

Boating Laws

The Canadian legal framework covers safety equipment and proof of competency, as examples.

• Canadian Boating Laws and Regulations

  • Dangerous Boating Offences and Fines

  • Boating Resources

• Boating Safety (Transport Canada)

  • Safe Boating Guide (pdf)

  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card

  • Pleasure Craft Licence

• Warning - Careless Operation

Boater's Code

The  purpose  of the Boater's Code is to promote safe, quiet and environmentally-responsible boating practices, based on principles of mutual respect among Association members and preserving the lake environment. 

Adopted in July 2015, the Code replaced Watercraft Guidelines that were developed in 1997 and updated in 2002 (see attachments).

Background

The Low Down to Hull and Back reported in 2013 that a 25-home development was being proposed for Mahon Lake, with access to waterfront and a private island. A boating policy committee was formed at the 2014 Association AGM to survey property owners and make recommendations. 

Here's a link to the survey results, which highlighted the importance of preserving the natural state of the lake, swimming, hearing the sounds of nature, canoeing/kayaking, and relaxing on the dock or near the water. There was broad agreement on education, communication, compliance with the law and a boating code of conduct, a speed limit of 10 km/hr within 30 metres of shore, and shallow-water no-wake zones. 

Boater's Code Summary

The following  summary is also available as a pdf file. A full text with explanatory notes is pdf only. For boating guidelines reflected in the Boater's Code, see 

• Boater's Code from Safe Quiet Lakes

• Have a Safe, Courteous and Green Boating Season

• Are you a healthy navigator?

and see Yellow Buoys for milfoil guidelines.

Legal Framework

• I will be aware of and obey all laws and regulations governing operation of my boat.

• I am aware that the legal framework is subject to police enforcement (819-459-9911).

Launching

• I will launch a boat only from my property or from another property with owner permission.

• Before launching I will thoroughly wash my boat, well away from the lake. 

  • • See Boat pressure-washing, Boat-washing checklist (in News).

• If I allow someone to launch a boat from my property, I will make them aware of this Boater’s Code.

• I will not permit anyone who is not a Lake Mahon shoreline property owner to launch a jet ski from my property.

• I will not launch or permit anyone else to launch a wakesurfing boat from my property.

• I will have my family, guests and any renters read and follow the Boater’s Code.

A Safe and Quiet Lake

• I will operate my boat with caution and courtesy to others at all times.

• I will minimize my wake impact on shorelines, docks, rafts, people and wildlife, and reduce speed within 30 metres of shore, and between rafts and shore, to leave no wake (a limit of 10 kilometres per hour), except if towing directly into or away from shore.

• I will always steer well clear of and yield right of way to non-motorized vessels, swimmers and wildlife, avoid other power vessels, and stay well outside the rafts.

• I will set a speed and heading that is safe and comfortable for my passengers and others on the water, and operate within my skill level. 

• I will provide safety instructions and PFDs for everyone in my boat, and carry all equipment necessary to operate my boat safely and within the law.

• I will not consume alcohol in my boat or allow my boat to be operated by anyone who has been drinking.

• I will not create excessive noise or operate a boat in a manner that disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of the lake by others. 

• If operating a jet ski, I will comply with Transport Canada rules, and operate far away from cottages, for a limited time only, and not early or late in the day. 

Protect and Preserve the Natural State of the Lake

• I will respect wildlife and its habitat, avoiding wildlife and sensitive areas.

• I will minimize wake impact on wildlife and natural shoreline (especially wetlands), and reduce speed in shallow water to leave no wake (a limit of 10 km/hr).

• Anything that goes out on my boat will come back on my boat (no garbage or pollutants in the lake).

• I will respect provincial fishing regulations and catch limits, and use non-lead sinkers.