Safe & Respectful Boating

The Muskoka Lakes Association supports Muskoka’s lengthy boating history and we advocate for safe and respectful boating on all Muskoka waterways. 

• We encourage you to get out on the water and enjoy the Muskoka Lakes in a safe, fun and Respectful manner, keeping in mind that our lakes are a shared space.
• Please obey the 9km speed signs and follow the 9km speed limit when travelling within 30 meters of shore and other boats. Watch your wake to help protect our shorelines.
• Boats in Muskoka should have a muffler designed to eliminate excessive or unusual noise. Boats with through-hull exhaust and little or no muffling are a deep concern for cottagers and other users of the Muskoka waterways.
• Boats with no muffler should direct exhaust through the propeller hub or underwater, unless the boat is more than five miles from shore.
• Outboards and inboard outboard motors should direct exhaust through the propeller hub or below the cavitation plate.
• We encourage, when safe to do so and if possible, to have open and positive communication with your neighbours to discuss any concerns you might have. By doing this, a compromise or resolution could be reached to benefit all.
• When you spot inappropriate behaviour, speed or noise on the Lakes that is not an emergency, please call the OPP non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122 to report it.  They want to hear from you, and the more information provided such as the boat registration number, colour, make, model, time of day, location, description of driver and frequency , the more likely they will be able to address the issue. When getting this information for The OPP please do not go on private property! If you witness or are involved in an emergency then please call 911.
• We encourage you to review the Boater’s Code below that was originally designed by the MLA but updated substantially by Safe Quiet Lakes.

The following links serve as a useful resource to our members and the Muskoka boating community.