NAVIGATION PROCEDURES

• Private navigation buoys are to guide you through the deepest part of the river. It is important to stay between the markers.
• Red spar buoys should be on your starboard (right side) when proceeding upstream.
• Green spar buoys should be on your port side (left side) when proceeding upstream.upstream.

SPEED LIMIT

• Maximum speed limit is 50 kilometres (30 miles) per hour on the river. This limit is enforced by federal statute. There is a maximum fine of $400.00 following a conviction for speeding.
• Plowing is not permitted on the river. The creation of excessive wake is not allowed. Boaters may be charged for excessive wake, and are legally responsible for any damage they cause. Boats should be at a planing speed (provided there is no excessive wake), or at a dead slow speed of 10 kilometres (6 miles) per hour.

• Personal watercraft riders must wear a properly fitted C.S.A. approved life jacket.
• Boaters must have the correct number of properly fitted C.S.A approved life jackets for their boat, as described in the Small Vessels Act.
• Fire extinguishers should be located in an accessible area and be in proper working order.
• All sources of ignition should be removed prior to fueling the boat.
• When available, ensure blower fan is activated prior to starting the engine.
• Ensure all portable cooking equipment is properly secured and never used inside the boat.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(about Boating and Watercraft Safety taken from the 1997 Provincial Park Information Guide)

Wasaga Beach is a great place for recreational boating; however, safety must be everyone's number one consideration.

Watercraft Free Zone

• No boats or watercraft are allowed between Beach Area 1 or 2 in the Mall Area.
• This zone is identified by orange marker buoys.
• Violators will be charged and watercraft may be seized.

Beaching Your Watercraft

• Stay clear of Watercraft Free Zone
• Within 150 metres of shore, use extreme caution and approach Dead Slow.
• Stay well clear of swimmers. When swimmers are in the area, turn all engines off.
• Raise motor, when approaching shallow water.

Safety Considerations

• There is a 50 km speed limit on the Nottawasaga River. The river is a dangerous play area.
• Reduce your wake. Show Respect for fellow boaters, canoeists and shoreline property owners.
• Use caution around channel into mouth of Nottawasaga River. Follow navigation buoys.
• Be aware of changeable weather conditions on Georgian Bay.
• Park Wardens and O.P.P. Officers will enforce any violations.
• Dangerous operation of any watercraft is an offence.

Local Boating Services

Beach Area 1 in the Park offers a wide boat launching ramp, ample parking for vehicles and boat trailers, and nearby washrooms and picnic areas. There is a second public boat launching ramp at Nancy Island.

There are two local marinas; Sturgeon Point marina is located at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River just off River Road East and Wasaga Marine is several kilometres upstream on Mosley Street near the Schoonertown Bridge.

ATTENTION PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OPERATORS

Personal watercraft use and sales are one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational sports in Ontario.  Here in Wasaga Beach, the increased use of the PWC's has become overwhelming.  The vastness of Nottawasaga Bay, the sandy beach and its proximity to the Toronto area make Wasaga Beach an ideal area.  With increasing popularity, comes responsibility for every owner/operator of a PWC.  Listed are some responsibilities you should be made aware of while visiting Wasaga Beach. Restrict recreational riding to the open waters of Nottawasaga Bay.  The river is a dangerous play area.

• Do not operate watercraft within 150 metres of swimmers.
• Keep a safe distance between your craft and other watercraft users.
• Approach shore with extreme caution at dead slow speed.
• Drive straight in and straight out.
• Never travel parallel within 200 metres of shore.
• Obey all boating regulations. Wear an approved lifejacket.
• Tell someone where you are going and for how long. Use the Buddy system.
• Dangerous operation of any watercraft is a criminal offence. Please ride safe!