Safety when boating

Please follow Transport Canada's regulations and these actions for your safety when boating at Kejimkujik.

On this page

• Potential dangers and risks
• Rules
• Safety equipment requirements
• Navigation equipment requirements
• Plan ahead
• Clean, drain, and dry

Potential dangers and risks

Be careful and watch for swimmers and other vessels, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Swimming spots are not marked.

Fast-moving water can be extremely dangerous, especially when there are high water levels.

Kejimkujik Lake is a dark-water lake and is extremely rocky when shallow (from mid-July onward). There are no navigation buoys on the lake. Broken propellors are a real concern, and high speeds can increase the likelihood of injury due to an unexpected stop.

Rules

Speed limit: 15 km/h

Motors are allowed on Kejimkujik Lake only.

Outboard motors are not allowed on Kejimkujik waterways other than Kejimkujik Lake.

Seadoos are not allowed.

It is illegal to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis.

Safety equipment requirements

Please refer to the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide (pages 15-19) (PDF, 4.9 MB) for a list of safety equipment required for boats by type and length.

Equipment requirements include:

• personal lifesaving appliances
• visual signals
• vessel safety equipment
• navigation equipment
• firefighting equipment

Navigation equipment requirements

Visitors must come prepared to navigate the lake with a map, compass and GPS. There are no navigation buoys on Kejimkujik Lake.

Backcountry Guide Map for Kejimkujik

Plan ahead

Before you go, tell someone you trust where you are going and what your plans are. Contact this person when you have completed your trip.

Foul weather may force you to stay put until conditions permit safe travel. Ensure your trip plan allows for extra time and provisions in case this happens to you.

Clean, drain, and dry

Aquatic invasive species travel on boats to new water bodies and put stress and pressure on ecosystems. It is therefore important to clean, drain and dry (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) all types of watercraft and nautical equipment before and after use.

Before entering and after leaving the water, remember three steps:

1. ‎Clean any visible debris and plants off your watercraft, trailer and gear;

2. Drain any water from your watercraft and gear; and

3. Dry your watercraft, trailer and gear.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Clean, Drain, Dry, and Decontaminate