The Safety Committee is your eyes and ears on what is happening in boating safety and other recreational activities. Our mission is to monitor, assess and make recommendation for recreation and safety issues on the lake and adjacent lands. Examples of areas of recent interest include:

• Nuisance boats (noise and speed)
• OPP liaison
• Navigation buoys
• All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)
• Safe boating education
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

Projects

2011 Safety Committee Report

Chair: Barry Johnson
Committee Members: Malcom Burwash, Walter Hogg and Gaylen Racine 

The Safety Committee develops and recommends procedures on any matters relating to safety and security on and around Lake of Bays. Safe boating is a major focus, but all aspects of life at the cottage are of concern.

Each year we offer safe boating courses to the Lake of Bays community. In July 2010, we held our first seminar tailored exclusively for new, young boaters, age eight to12 years. The Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) partnered with BOATsmart Canada to offer this full day course. The course consisted of a full morning seminar with an opportunity to write the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) test. All our students passed! The afternoon segment allowed the young boaters to practice their skills on the water under the watchful eye of the BOATsmart instructor. This two part course, combining classroom and practical experience, provides a solid foundation for a young or new boater. Many thanks to Pride of Lake of Bays Marine Ltd. who provided terrific facilities and an EdgeWater boat for the day. This course will be offered on Sunday, July 10 at the Pride of Lake of Bays Marine this year. You will find more information under News & Events on our website.

Every year we make a determined effort to distribute Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide to as many boaters on our lake as possible. This booklet is a terrific reference source and should be part of every boater’s on board safety kit. Pick one up at the LOBA AGM, your local marina, or from a member of the Safety Committee.

You may also want to read Gaylen Racine’s pamphlet Boat Right, Be Polite —a guide to sharing the waters with your fellow cottagers, which can be found on our website, www.loba.ca. This very informative pamphlet discusses water activities which often lead to conflicts with neighbours. Other cottager associations have incorporated this material into their safe boating programs. This pamphlet is also available at the LOBA AGM or from any member of the Safety Committee.

Lake of Bays boaters are fortunate that the main routes of the lake are well marked. However, hazards may not be marked on less travelled routes. If you are aware of any unmarked hazards, please inform the Safety Committee so we can alert the membership.

 Each year, more and more Lake of Bays cottagers enjoy the winter months at the lake. Many winter activities take place on the ice. Before venturing out on to the ice, be sure you check that the ice is safe. Check our website for a chart that suggests the ice thickness required for various vehicles and activities.

If you have any safety issues or concerns that you wish to see addressed by our Safety Committee, please contact me by sending an email to info@loba.ca, or give me a phone call 416-604-1959.

 Have a great and safe summer and winter.