Water Safety on Mazinaw Lake: A Shared Responsibility

Apr 18
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Last updated April 2025

Every year, when we ask MPOA members what our top three priorities should be, water safety is always near or at the top—and rightfully so. Enjoying the water is why we’re all here, and creating a safe environment for everyone is something we all care deeply about.

We Share the Lake with Many Users

It’s not just property owners out on the water. We share Mazinaw Lake with:

Locals who launch boats for a day of fishing or tubing with their kids
Visitors from Bon Echo Provincial Park—many of whom are new paddlers just looking to experience the beauty of the lake
Campers from Brown’s Trailer Park
Guests at AirBnBs along the lake
Our own friends and family visiting cottages

With so many people enjoying the lake in different ways, respectful and educated use is essential.

Different Perspectives, Shared Concerns

Complaints don’t come from just one group. Both paddlers and powerboat operators have expressed concerns—and sometimes about each other. As someone who kayaks and operates a motorized boat, I’ve seen both sides. I've experienced close calls where powerboats passed in front of my kayak, creating dangerous wakes. I’ve also helped rescue novice paddlers who were caught in winds they couldn’t handle.

And yes, I've even seen boats pulling skiers through the Narrows—which no one with a logical mind would do, yet it happens more than you'd think.

Our Approach: Education, Patience & Mutual Respect

The MPOA has been working with:

Bon Echo Provincial Park
Napanee OPP Detachment

...to promote awareness and education around water safety. Here’s how we're spreading the word:

Annual communications via our website, Facebook page, and email newsletters
Safety signs at public boat docks and at the Narrows
A downloadable one-page water safety pamphlet (please include this on our new website!)
Encouraging AirBnB and cottage owners to print and share the pamphlet with guests
Bon Echo includes safety tips in newsletters and signage throughout the park
OPP make regular patrols on the lake

Common Safety Concerns from Property Owners, Visitors & Park Staff

🚣 Paddlers in the Narrows

Paddlers (canoeists, kayakers, SUP users) have equal right-of-way in the Narrows.
However, paddlers should clear the channel as efficiently as possible and avoid entering when a motorboat is already passing through.
Reminder: All paddlers should have a PFD (life jacket) with them or on their vessel.

💨 Wind & Weather Awareness

Conditions can change rapidly—calm on one side, windy on the other.
Park staff stress: stop and assess the lake before setting out.

🛶 Unsafe Canoe/Kayak Behavior

Jumping out mid-lake, sitting face-to-face, or drifting inattentively can cause risk to themselves and others.
That said, not all non-standard seating is a problem—some canoeists paddle solo or fish in tandem safely.

Unsafe Swimming Practices

Swimming at the Narrows is prohibited—two “No Swimming” signs are already posted.
Swimming across to the rock or cliff jumping is against park rules and can result in serious injury or hefty fines.
Swimming is not allowed at boat launches—this can block access for boaters and lead to dangerous interactions.

Motorized Boat Safety

Creating large wakes near paddlers can capsize them or put them in danger.
Boats traveling too close to shore pose a risk to swimmers, children, and pets.
Nighttime boating without lights is extremely dangerous.
By law, motorboats must not exceed 10 km/h within 30 metres (100 feet) of shore. The OPP monitor this regularly.
Careless operation of a boat can result in a $450 fine.

Helpful Resource

A great resource for more information is the National Boating Safety School’s Boating Safety Course Manual.

What To Do If You Witness Unsafe Behavior

Advice from the Napanee OPP:

Option 1: Speak up (if safe to do so)

“Hey buddy, I’ve got my whole family up and your boat came dangerously close to where we swim. There are also a lot of rocks just under the water here. Please make sure you stay at least 30 metres from shore, as per the law.”

Keep it friendly and non-confrontational.

Option 2: Report to the OPP

If you feel unsafe confronting the person, report the incident:

Note date, time, and witnesses
Take a photo or video of the boat if possible
Record boat details: make, model, color, registration number
Note where the boat went (which dock/cottage/launch)
If possible, return later to get the 911 number of the cottage

If the case goes to court, be prepared to attend and testify if needed.

We All Have a Role to Play

Water safety is a shared responsibility. With a bit of awareness, mutual respect, and willingness to educate ourselves and others, we can keep Mazinaw Lake safe and enjoyable for all.