Be Alert to Local Hazards:

Before  you  venture out onto unfamiliar waters, check your chart and make local inquiries.  This will help you identify any local hazards such as low-head dams, rapids, tides, currents, white-water, overhead cables, under-water cables, bridges, floodwater debris, and other hazards.
Be aware also, that shallow lakes are subject to a rapid build-up of high wave conditions when the wind blows hard.  These hazards may impede the operation of your pleasure craft, which could increase the risk of causing injuries or loss of life to persons onboard.

Changing water levels:

Although inland waters are not subject to tides, Strong Winds can cause the water to rise significantly at one end of a lake, and fall at the other end.  Surprisingly strong currents often develop in narrow channels, & shallow water.  Rapid Spring Melt can cause buoys to submerge!

Tip: A wet area somewhat above the waterline around a piling, (wooden or steel post sticking up out of the water), indicates that the tide is falling, if it's dry above the waterline--the tide is rising.
Always consider the consequences of changing water levels whenever securing your pleasure craft to a fixed mooring (as opposed to a floating dock).  If operating in tidal waters, (waterways connected to the ocean), always refer to the appropriate "tide tables".  Tide tables reveal what the high and low water height predictions are for various times at various places each day. There are two high water levels and two low water levels each day,  (about 6 hours apart).  Expect strong currents when the tide changes.  A rising tide is said to be flooding, a falling tide is said to be ebbing.  When the tide is neither rising nor falling it is said to be slack. 

Provinces'-wide Shoreline Speed Restrictions;

Not Posted, speed is limited to 10km/hr within 30m of any shore, except in canals, or buoyed channels & rivers less than 100m in width.  (One of the reasons for such a law is to protect the shoreline against erosion - as shown at left)
Share the waterways:
Courtesy is not only appreciated, it's the Law!  Carelessly operating your pleasure craft in such a way as to create a hazard, threat, stress, or irritant to others, including wildlife & the environment is an offence under the Small Vessel Regulations.

• Stay well clear of swimmers and properties,
  
• Adjust your speed accordingly, mindful of your wake and its possible harmful effect on other boats, people, erosion of the shoreline, or damage to docks and other properties,
  
• Use your engine muffler when within 5 nautical miles of shore.
  
• Know and follow the Collision Regulations  (presented later)
  

When it's a hot summer day, it may be tempting to jump in for a quick swim before leaving the dock.  But stray electrical currents in the water can (and do) kill unwary swimmers.  If there is shore power provided on the dock, don't allow anyone to swim anywhere near it!  There should be a wooden rescue pole near the warning signs (in case someone falls in, and is unable to swim clear of the invisible charge).  Recent evidence has revealed that many "drowning" at marinas, were caused by electricity in the water - even good swimmers are unable to control their muscles once they enter the electrified water. Unable to swim, victims may yell out, then simply sink & drown.  The same fate may await a swimming responder.  Use the pole!  For more info please visit www.highport.com/electricalHazard.php  And please spread the word about this hidden danger.

• Thank you for your article, Andy Adams, a writer for Boating Industry Canada!