2019-Jan-08
Excessive Wakes
Large wakes continue to be a bone of contention. They cause damage to docks and shorelines and can be very disruptive to cottagers enjoyment of their docks. What can be done?
The occasional disruption and damage caused by excessive wakes are an ongoing source of irritation between boaters and cottagers. Boaters are responsible for their wakes and any damage caused by them. But the OPP tells us that damage caused by wakes is a civil issue. And so what you need to do is be able to identify the vessel and the operator and pursue the matter in small claims court if a reasonable result can’t be agreed upon between the parties on their own.
However, if a boater is observed to be operating their vessel in a dangerous or careless way then the OPP should be called. They ideally would like the license number of the vessel and need someone that can identify the operator. But the OPP has stressed that a large wake on its own does not mean that the boater is operating the vessel in a dangerous way.
That said the driver should be reminded about being a good mariner.
And from our OPP Summer 2017 Update article:
Reporting Boater Behaviour
Poor boating behaviour should be reported to the OPP at 1 888-310-1122, NOT 911. This line is available 24/7.
The OPP are prepared to follow up on reports of poor boater behaviour, including dangerous driving (speeding thorough slow zones, slaloming PWCs through inner channels, etc.), drinking while driving and even environmental or pollution offences. The OPP has zero tolerance for alcohol consumption while driving, speeding and lack of life jackets.
Excessive engine noise is not a complaint that is easy for the OPP to deal with.
The more information a caller can provide to the OPP the better, such as exact location, time, and colour/style/name/ license number of boat(s) involved.
Pictures are even better. Police prefer complainants to go on the record when making a complaint, but understand that circumstances arise where people prefer to remain anonymous. The OPP will honour such requests. If the complaint involves a criminal offence and you wish to remain anonymous, you can also call Crime Stoppers.