Water Safety
In collaboration with the Anishinabek Police Service and other law enforcement partners, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is responsible for patrolling approximately 75 kilometres of shoreline surrounding Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township.
Our priority is the safety of everyone who spends time on or near the water. Whether you're boating, fishing, swimming, or simply spending time by the shore, we encourage you to review the safety recommendations below and help keep our community safe.
Swimming
- Please review the weather forecast and Algoma Public Health Beach Warnings before participating in beach swimming.
- None of the beachfronts around Sault Ste. Marie or Prince Township are monitored by lifeguards; swimming is at your own risk.
- Please be mindful you may be sharing the water with boats.
- Ensure you don't 'out swim' or 'out float' your capabilities.
- Keep an eye on the wind. It does not take much to push you offshore.
- Wearing a personal flotation device is recommended.
Every year, approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents.
- When it comes to children, supervision is essential to preventing injuries and providing a fun but safe environment for them to enjoy the water. When supervising children in or near the water:
- Actively supervise, meaning eyes on the child at all times
- Stay within arms' reach. Every second counts
- For adults, factors in water-related fatalities often include alcohol consumption and difficulty navigating changes in water current. Don't consume alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities
- When on a vessel, ensure everyone has a well fitted lifejacket on and fastened
- Drowning does not look like it does in the movies. Be on the watch for:
- climbing ladder motion
- head tilted back
- body vertical
- facing shore/lip of pool
- mouth at water level
- eyes glassy
Boating
Before boating, it is your responsibility to understand all laws and regulations. Please familiarize yourself with the basic information found on this page and use the resources provided to learn more.
Personal flotation device
By law, everyone on board a boat must have access to a Canadian-approved lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). This includes human-powered vessels, like canoes and kayaks.
See the Transport Canada guidelines for selecting an approved lifejacket or PFD.
Other equipment
Motorized vehicles up to six metres in length also require:
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length
- One manual propelling device or one anchor and at least 15 metres of cable, rope or chain in any combination
- One bailer or manual bilge pump
- One watertight flashlight
- One sound-signalling device or appliance
- One 5BC fire extinguisher if equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance
- Navigation lights (if a boat is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility)
Larger boats and other vessels may have different requirements, by law. See the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide or Canada's boating safety webpage for comprehensive requirements and pre-departure checklists.
In addition to all the safety equipment required by law, there are other actions boaters should take before heading out on the water:
- Understand all laws and regulations, consider taking a boating safety course
- Complete an inspection of your boat. Ensure there are no leaks or damage
- Tell someone about your plans, and where you will be going
- Bring good sunglasses, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for any possible weather conditions
- Ensure you have a fully-charged cellphone and store it in a waterproof container
- Keep extra fuel on hand
Trip Plan
Trip planning is important before you head out on the boat. If something does happen to you while you are out on the boat and do not return when you said you would, the responsible person you left the information with can organize a search and people can be sent out to look for you. This is where a trip plan comes in handy.
A trip plan, also known as a Float Plan includes information about your boat type and colour, number of people aboard, expected route and the date and time of return. For shorter trips, a Float Itinerary which includes details about where you are going and when you’ll be back. This plan is left with a responsible person in the event that you do not return when you indicated you would, they should alert the authorities as soon as they can after confirming that you have not returned. Authorities include the local police, local search and rescue group, local firefighters or all of the above. The responsible person should communicate all the information that you gave them before leaving to the authorities so they are better equipped to search for you. The authorities will know what to do and will handle the situation from there.
While on the water, ensure you are following all laws. Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and that of others on the boat and out on the waterways.
- Operate your boat at a safe speed, as you may have to stop or turn suddenly to avoid a collision
- operate at a speed 10km/h or less within 30 metres of the shore.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions and drive with extreme caution after dark, with lights on
- Adjust to changing visibility conditions including fog, mist, rain, darkness, wind, water conditions and currents
- Be alert and look out for any navigational hazards, like rocks and tree stumps
- Be courteous of others using the waterways and obey all boating rules
- Keep an eye out for swimmers and other boaters, and always have a spotter for those water-skiers and tube riders
We recommend starting with Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide - an 80 page PDF which covers everything you need to know and includes a pre-departure checklist, trip plan, and quick reference cards to keep on your vessel.
Additional downloadable/printable resources are linked below:
Pre-Departure Checklists
- Human-powered boats
- Inboards
- Outboards
- Personal watercraft (PWC) - e.g. jet ski
- Sailboards & kiteboards
- Sailing
General Reference Cards
- Boating Sober
- Cold Patient Assessment and Care
- Cold Water Safety
- Flares
- Float Itinerary
- Float Plan
- Homemade Bailers
- Horsepower Restrictions by Age
- Understanding Markers
- Navigation Lights
- Pre-Trip Packing and Inspection Lists
- Reboarding
- Rules of the "Road"
Lifejacket Reference Cards
- Lifejackets vs. PFDs (benefits, drawbacks, sizing, regulations)
- Lifejacket Sizing
- Lifejackets, PFDs - Types and Inspection Checklist
- Inflatable Lifejacket Care and Maintenance
Safety Equipment Checklists
Have all the boating information you need, including the Safe Boating Guide right in the palm of your hand with the FREE BetterBoater App.
The app makes finding the information you need quick and easy with advanced search capabilities.
Impaired Boating
Impaired boating is impaired driving. If you’re operating a watercraft, stay sober. Suspect someone is impaired while operating a vessel? This a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.
It is not legal to consume alcohol or cannabis on or before you are going out on this type of vessel.
- It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a boat if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in excess of 80mg or 0.08%. Your BAC level is determined with a breathalyzer or blood test.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have more than 2 nanograms (ng) of THC per ml of blood. You can be charged with a more serious offence if you have more than 5ng of THC
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a combination of more than 50mg BAC AND 2.5mg of THC in your blood
- 80mg BAC or 2ng THC or 50mg BAC+2.5ng THC = drunk boating
- Fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle.
In Ontario, fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 or higher, you fail a roadside sobriety test or you violate the zero tolerance requirements for young, novice and commercial drivers, you will face:
First offence
- 7-day drivers licence suspension. This cannot be appealed.
- $250 penalty
Second offence within 5 years
- 14-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $350 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory education program (for a second occurrence within 10 years)
Third and subsequent offences within 5 years
- 30-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $450 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory treatment program (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least six months (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario (for fourth and subsequent offence within 10 years).
In addition to the penalties above, you will also face a $281 licence reinstatement fee each time your licence is suspended.
Penalties for a BAC Over the Legal Limit, Refuse Testing or Impairment
If you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, you register a BAC over 0.08 or if a drug recognition evaluator determines that you are impaired, you will face:
- 90-day driver's licence suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- $550 penalty
- $281 driver's licence reinstatement fee
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program (for second and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months (for third and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
Additional Penalties if Convicted in Court
If you are a young or novice driver convicted in court for violating the zero tolerance requirements for drugs and/or alcohol, your driver's licence will be suspended again for at least 30 days, and you will receive an additional $60-$500 fine. No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and penalties, plus:
First offence
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 1 year
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Second offence within 10 years
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 3 years
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Third or more offence within 10 years
- Lifetime driver's licence suspension, which may be reduced after 10 years if you meet certain criteria
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Drinking or consuming cannabis and boating is ALWAYS illegal. And remember that the rules for legal alcohol and cannabis consumption and transport vary by province and territory. The minimum fines and penalties also vary by province, so always check with the local authorities before heading out on the water if you are visiting other provinces and territories.
It is not legal to consume alcohol or cannabis on or before you are going out on this type of vessel.
- It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a boat if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in excess of 80mg or 0.08%. Your BAC level is determined with a breathalyzer or blood test.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have more than 2 nanograms (ng) of THC per ml of blood. You can be charged with a more serious offence if you have more than 5ng of THC
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a combination of more than 50mg BAC AND 2.5mg of THC in your blood
- 80mg BAC or 2ng THC or 50mg BAC+2.5ng THC = drunk boating
- Fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle.
In Ontario, fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 or higher, you fail a roadside sobriety test or you violate the zero tolerance requirements for young, novice and commercial drivers, you will face:
First offence
- 7-day driver's licence suspension. This cannot be appealed.
- $250 penalty
Second offence within 5 years
- 14-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $350 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory education program (for a second occurrence within 10 years)
Third and subsequent offences within 5 years
- 30-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $450 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory treatment program (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least six months (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario (for fourth and subsequent offence within 10 years).
In addition to the penalties above, you will also face a $281 licence reinstatement fee each time your licence is suspended.
Penalties for a BAC Over the Legal Limit, Refuse Testing or Impairment
If you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, you register a BAC over 0.08 or if a drug recognition evaluator determines that you are impaired, you will face:
- 90-day driver's licence suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- $550 penalty
- $281 driver's licence reinstatement fee
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program (for second and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months (for third and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
Additional Penalties if Convicted in Court
If you are a young or novice driver convicted in court for violating the zero tolerance requirements for drugs and/or alcohol, your driver's licence will be suspended again for at least 30 days, and you will receive an additional $60-$500 fine. No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and penalties, plus:
First offence
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 1 year
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Second offence within 10 years
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 3 years
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Third or more offence within 10 years
- Lifetime driver's licence suspension, which may be reduced after 10 years if you meet certain criteria
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Drinking or consuming cannabis and boating is ALWAYS illegal. And remember that the rules for legal alcohol and cannabis consumption and transport vary by province and territory. The minimum fines and penalties also vary by province, so always check with the local authorities before heading out on the water if you are visiting other provinces and territories.
Vessel operators as well as passengers may legally consume alcohol or cannabis on-board this type of vessel if it is equipped with:
- Permanent cooking facilities.
- Permanent sleeping facilities.
- Permanent head (toilet); and
- The boat is at anchor, secured alongside a dock or beached
The vessel operator must NOT be impaired by the time the vessel is ready to depart from being at anchor, docked or beached. As the boat operator, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure your boat meets these requirements before anyone opens any beer or liquor or consumes cannabis. Additionally, it’s your responsibility to stay sober to make sure everyone gets home safe.
- It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a boat if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in excess of 80mg or 0.08%. Your BAC level is determined with a breathalyzer or blood test.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have more than 2 nanograms (ng) of THC per ml of blood. You can be charged with a more serious offence if you have more than 5ng of THC
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a combination of more than 50mg BAC AND 2.5mg of THC in your blood
- 80mg BAC or 2ng THC or 50mg BAC+2.5ng THC = drunk boating
- Fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle.
In Ontario, fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 or higher, you fail a roadside sobriety test or you violate the zero tolerance requirements for young, novice and commercial drivers, you will face:
First offence
- 7-day driver's licence suspension. This cannot be appealed.
- $250 penalty
Second offence within 5 years
- 14-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $350 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory education program (for a second occurrence within 10 years)
Third and subsequent offences within 5 years
- 30-day driver's licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $450 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory treatment program (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least six months (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario (for fourth and subsequent offence within 10 years).
In addition to the penalties above, you will also face a $281 licence reinstatement fee each time your licence is suspended.
Penalties for a BAC Over the Legal Limit, Refuse Testing or Impairment
If you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, you register a BAC over 0.08 or if a drug recognition evaluator determines that you are impaired, you will face:
- 90-day driver's licence suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- $550 penalty
- $281 driver's licence reinstatement fee
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program (for second and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months (for third and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
Additional Penalties if Convicted in Court
If you are a young or novice driver convicted in court for violating the zero tolerance requirements for drugs and/or alcohol, your driver's licence will be suspended again for at least 30 days, and you will receive an additional $60-$500 fine. No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and penalties, plus:
First offence
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 1 year
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Second offence within 10 years
- Driver's licence suspension of at least 3 years
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Third or more offence within 10 years
- Lifetime driver's licence suspension, which may be reduced after 10 years if you meet certain criteria
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Drinking or consuming cannabis and boating is ALWAYS illegal. And remember that the rules for legal alcohol and cannabis consumption and transport vary by province and territory. The minimum fines and penalties also vary by province, so always check with the local authorities before heading out on the water if you are visiting other provinces and territories.
Vessel operators as well as passengers may legally consume alcohol or cannabis on-board this type of vessel if it is equipped with:
- Permanent cooking facilities.
- Permanent sleeping facilities.
- Permanent head (toilet); and
- The boat is at anchor, secured alongside a dock or beached
The vessel operator must NOT be impaired by the time the vessel is ready to depart from being at anchor, docked or beached. As the boat operator, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure your boat meets these requirements before anyone opens any beer or liquor or consumes cannabis.
Additionally, it’s your responsibility to stay sober to make sure everyone gets home safe.
- It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a boat if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in excess of 80mg or 0.08%. Your BAC level is determined with a breathalyzer or blood test.
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have more than 2 nanograms (ng) of THC per ml of blood. You can be charged with a more serious offence if you have more than 5ng of THC
- You are ‘under the influence’ if you have a combination of more than 50mg BAC AND 2.5mg of THC in your blood
- 80mg BAC or 2ng THC or 50mg BAC+2.5ng THC = drunk boating
- Fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle.
In Ontario, fines and penalties for boating under the influence are the same as for driving a motor vehicle. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 or higher, you fail a roadside sobriety test or you violate the zero tolerance requirements for young, novice and commercial drivers, you will face:
First offence
- 7-day drivers licence suspension. This cannot be appealed.
- $250 penalty
Second offence within 5 years
- 14-day drivers licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $350 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory education program (for a second occurrence within 10 years)
Third and subsequent offences within 5 years
- 30-day drivers licence suspension (3-day suspension for commercial drivers). This cannot be appealed.
- $450 penalty
- You must attend a mandatory treatment program (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least six months (for third and subsequent offence within 10 years)
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario (for fourth and subsequent offence within 10 years).
In addition to the penalties above, you will also face a $281 licence reinstatement fee each time your licence is suspended.
Penalties for a BAC Over the Legal Limit, Refuse Testing or Impairment
If you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, you register a BAC over 0.08 or if a drug recognition evaluator determines that you are impaired, you will face:
- 90-day drivers licence suspension
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- $550 penalty
- $281 drivers licence reinstatement fee
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program (for second and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
- You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months (for third and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
Additional Penalties if Convicted in Court
If you are a young or novice driver convicted in court for violating the zero tolerance requirements for drugs and/or alcohol, your driver's licence will be suspended again for at least 30 days, and you will receive an additional $60-$500 fine. No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and penalties, plus:
First offence
- Drivers licence suspension of at least 1 year
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Second offence within 10 years
- Drivers licence suspension of at least 3 years
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 3 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Third or more offence within 10 years
- Lifetime drivers licence suspension, which may be reduced after 10 years if you meet certain criteria
- You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
- Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 years
- You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Drinking or consuming Cannabis and boating is ALWAYS illegal. And remember that the rules for legal alcohol and cannabis consumption and transport vary by province and territory. The minimum fines and penalties also vary by province, so always check with the local authorities before heading out on the water if you are visiting other provinces and territories.
Helpful Websites
-
- Boating/boating safety tips and techniques
- Lifejacket education
- Videos, downloadable resources
-
- Boating safety campaigns
- Educational programs and courses
- Safety resources
-
- Safety and maintenance resources
- Boating apps
- Educational articles
-
- Pre-trip planning tools
- Educational programs and resources
