Water Safety on Crane Lake
As our summer slowly turns into fall, we have but a few months left to enjoy our water activities in the gorgeous waters of Crane Lake. When July arrived, it was like a switch was turned on and the weather became consistently gorgeous and the lake temperature increased remarkably. It was a welcoming invitation to jump in the lake or go for a ski or an exciting ‘tube’ ride!
However, with the enjoyment of water sports comes the seriousness of water & boating safety.
Simply stated, it is the obligation of each of us to show respect to others especially when it involves engaging in water activities on Crane Lake! This is not an onerous request. It is this simple act of being respectful to others that makes our own community a much safer and congenial place.
As we enjoy these last months of summertime activities, please be respectful of others and remember the following:
1. WHILE BOATING – it is your absolute responsibility to:
ALWAYS Operate your boat with caution and courtesy of others
ALWAYS Minimize your boat’s wake to avoid damage to docks, structures, shorelines & PEOPLE!
ALWAYS SLOW DOWN when you are boating close to any shoreline on the Lake.
Any vessel exceeding 10 km/h within 30m from any shoreline is in violation of the law!
In narrow waterways you may not have 30meters to either shoreline which means you MUST slow down as you pass through the ‘narrows’ in order to abide by this law.
ALWAYS Steer clear of other boats, swimmers & wildlife – including loons!
ALWAYS Set a speed that is safe & comfortable for your passengers & other boaters
ALWAYS Have a second person act as ‘spotter’ in the boat when there is someone being towed – skiing, tubing, etc.
ALWAYS HAVE PFD’s /Life jackets available for everyone in the boat
ALWAYS OBEY THE LAW & regulations governing the operation of watercraft
2. The OPP are here for us!
www.opp.ca
They provide front-line investigative & administrative police service to our neighbourhood! They will come if they are called! The more calls they receive about abuse of the law, the more they will attend. So, if you witness continuously bad behaviour as it relates to any law:
CALL THE OPP – 1-705-746-4225 (West Parry Sound Detachment – non-emergency line). Examples include:
Boaters speeding causing dangerous conditions for others
Abuse by boaters of the 10km/h/30meters law
Illegal activities of any kind
Only Call 911 for Police, Ambulance & Fire Emergencies
3. The TOWNSHIP OF THE ARCHIPELAGO
Provides us with By-Law Enforcement officials responsible for reducing by-law infractions and emergency incidents, and to administer fines if by-laws are broken. So, if you witness people breaking a TOA By-law:
Call TOA By-Law Enforcement Officer – 1-705-746-4243 x 325 – or after hours 1-705-774-3630. The Officer will take your report and will act promptly. Most of these situations can be resolved directly by the By-Law officer. Examples include:
Fireworks on days not permissible by law
Campfires at times not permissible by law, and definitely not when the Fire Danger Rating on Crane lake is HIGH or EXTREME (Fire Ban declared)
4. RENTERS AT YOUR COTTAGE
It is your responsibility, and for your respect to others on Crane Lake, that you:
ALWAYS provide your rental guests with full instructions related to the expected behaviour of everyone regarding Boating & Swimming Safety on Crane Lake
ALWAYS introduce them to the Crane Lake Guidebook that includes information related to our cottage community, including:
the reinforcement of respect to others in boating and water safety and
adhering to Fire & Fireworks regulations.
COVID has been a really tough partner for all of us this summer. The imposed self-distancing and the border closures have severely limited our ability to enjoy our days as we have in the past at Crane Lake. While there is no crystal ball on how the next year will unfold, we are all hopeful that the scientific and medical worlds will successfully bring us enhanced testing, vaccines and increased immunity to allow us to enter our ‘new’ normalcy to enjoy our friends & family once again at the cottage!
Stay safe and take care,
Darlene, and the Board of Directors
Crane Lake Association
