Boating safety in Ontario: prevention, responsibility, and recovery

September 30, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Ontario’s lakes and rivers make boating a favourite pastime, but with busy waters comes risk. In Otario a variety of agency govern boating and R=Transport Canada issues the Safe Boating Guide.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) emphasise practical safety steps to protect yourself and others on the water. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times, maintaining a sober and attentive approach, and staying current with weather and waterway conditions are foundational.

The OPP also remind boaters to follow the rules of the road on the water—keep a safe distance from other vessels, use proper lighting as conditions change, and maintain navigational awareness to avoid hazards like submerged rocks, shallow areas, or busy docking zones. Planning ahead matters: file a float plan when heading into remote areas, check storm forecasts, and ensure your equipment (engine, bilge pump, communication devices) is in good working order.

A boating licence the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required for all motorized vessels and insurance is highly recommended. 

What to do to stay safe

Before you leave the shore, review the plan with everyone on board. Put on life jackets, even for short trips, and ensure children are supervised. Keep a clear line of communication with all passengers, monitor weather updates, and have a means to call for help if needed.

On the water, avoid alcohol, respect speed limits, and stay within your abilities and the boat’s equipment limits. If a crash does happen, report it to the police as required by law, document the scene, and gather information from all parties involved.

If you’re injured in a boating crash

In Ontario, injuries from a boating accident aren’t covered by auto no-fault benefits. That means your recovery and financial protection will rely on civil liability principles and the insurance you carry for the watercraft. The key steps after a crash are the same in spirit as any serious injury case: seek medical attention promptly for your injuries, preserve evidence, and get the incident on the record with police or marine authorities. Photograph damage, collect contact information from witnesses, and obtain the other boat’s registration and insurance details.

Beyond immediate care, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. If another party was at fault, you may pursue a civil claim for damages including medical expenses, lost income, and non-pecuniary damages such as pain and suffering. The litigation path can be complex and lengthy, which is why working with an Ontario personal injury lawyer who understands boating law and civil claims can be a real difference-maker.

How Deutschmann de Koning Law can help

Our firm combines deep Ontario experience with a practical, client-focused approach to boating-related injuries. We help you determine fault and liability, gather the necessary evidence (police reports, witness statements, medical records, and boat documentation), and craft a comprehensive damages claim. We work with insurers, experts, and regulators to streamline the process, aiming to secure fair compensation while you focus on recovering your health.

What to discuss with us

We’ll review the specifics of your boating incident, your medical prognosis, and all harms you’ve suffered—economic and non-economic. We map out viable legal paths, estimate timelines, and explain the risks and benefits of pursuing a civil claim. With our local expertise in Ontario courts and boating regulations, we tailor a strategy designed to maximise compensation while supporting your recovery.

Next steps

If you’ve been injured in a boating crash in Ontario, book a free, no-obligation consultation with Deutschmann de Koning Law. We’ll assess your liability exposure, review your insurance coverage, and outline a practical plan to protect your rights and optimise your recovery. Our team will gather essential records and provide a transparent path forward so you can focus on healing with confidence that you have a capable advocate by your side.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.