2021-Nov-25
The Results of the Your Lakes, Your Views Survey Have Been Released
Congratulations! You had your say on Boating on the Bay! The results of the third Safe Quiet Lakes survey: Your Lakes, Your Views have been released. This was the first time Georgian Bay was included and you spoke up! We generated 1111 completed responses out of a total of 5951 (making it one of the largest lake activity reports in North America). This fantastic participation tells us that you are deeply engaged with boating issues.
Have a look at the survey results below – they tell us a lot! Chapter 7 of the full report has your views on convoys, which is an issue exclusive to Georgian Bay.
- YOUR LAKES, YOUR VIEWS Survey Summary Report
- YOUR LAKES, YOUR VIEWS – Muskoka and Georgian Bay Regions Lake Activity Survey 2021 Full Report
Survey Highlights
Top pleasures:
Three activities hold almost universal appeal. Interestingly, none of these activities involve a boat. Each group below gave the activity the very high importance rating of 4 or 5 out of 5.
- 95% – relaxing on the dock or near the water
- 96% – swimming
- 92% – enjoying nature on the lake or by the shore
All other major lake activities are based around a boat of some kind:
- 86% – paddling, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and paddleboarding (also the largest and fastest growing group of boaters)
- 68% – cruising
Also rated as important:
- 57% – visiting friends and neighbours by boat
- 54% – transportation/getting things from A to B
Top Concerns:
Top problems associated with unsafe and inconsiderate boating:
- Boat noise
- Boat wakes
- Boats operated at high speeds, especially when close to shore
Key Solutions:
- 90% of participants say we have a responsibility to preserve the natural state of our lakes for future generations.
- 90% agree with the statement that motorboat operators have more responsibility to ensure the safe coexistence of activities on the lakes.
A majority supports these specific actions:
- 71% – no wake zones to protect people and wildlife in sensitive areas
- 70% – stronger enforcement of boating while under the influence
- 67% – frequent and consistent enforcement of laws about above-water exhausts
- 67% – establishing decibel limits on noise made by boats
Just 8% of respondents find their lake “Not at all noisy,” and this fortunate group rates overall quality of the lake at 9.5 out of 10. As the noise level goes up, the quality of experience drops. The 10% who consider their lake “Very Noisy” rate their overall experience at 5.5 out of 10.
Some Recommendations From the Survey:
- Provide more education about responsible and respectful boating
- Ensure greater protection of shorelines and people from wakes
- Develop limits on noise levels on the lakes
- Enhance laws/regulations especially re boat wakes, speed and noise
- Celebrate and build on the approaches of successful lakes, bays and rivers that share the space respectfully
- Monitor emerging issues and ideas raised in participant comments including float planes, convoys and other groups of boats, use of PFDs, accidents, renters, day visitors and their boat use, the need for a PCOC practical on-the-water test, possible activity zoning options and alternative on-the-water patrolling
The survey summary can be found here and full survey and the comments can be found here.
How Can You Help?
- If you are concerned with excessive boat noise, the Decibel Coalition currently has a petition you can sign (here) to have the Small Vessel Regulation SQR/2019-91 enhanced to include decibel standards on boat mufflers. You can also encourage your Association to become a member of the Decibel Coalition. Details can be found here.
- GBA in partnership with Boating Ontario have revamped our Georgian Bay is For Everyone campaign to encourage responsible boating behaviour. Watch for our posters next summer as we work to spread the message around the Bay.