Boaters: keep vessels away from beaches and designated swimming areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 24, 2026  3:45 p.m.

(Ottawa)—During National Drowning Prevention Week, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding boaters and personal watercraft operators to stay away from beaches and designated swimming areas.

Throughout the boating season, members of the OPS Marine, Dive and Trails Unit patrol Ottawa’s waterways and conduct proactive enforcement and safety initiatives. This summer, officers have dedicated additional attention to the Upper Ottawa River and Britannia Beach area in response to concerns about unsafe boating activity near the public beach and swimming area.

Recent patrols in the Britannia area have included water-based enforcement and beach walk-throughs focused on vessels operating near swimmers, boats or personal watercraft beaching along the shoreline, and alcohol-related offences. Charges have been laid where appropriate, and officers will continue monitoring the area throughout the summer.

Boats and personal watercraft, including Sea-Doos, must not enter designated swimming areas or beach along Ottawa’s public beaches. Vessels approaching the shoreline can create a serious risk for swimmers and other beach users, particularly near lifeguard-supervised areas.

Operators must remain alert, maintain a safe distance from swimmers and lifeguard-supervised areas, and operate according to weather and water conditions.

Police are also reminding beachgoers and boaters that open alcohol is not permitted at public beaches and that alcohol and water-related activities are a dangerous combination.

Residents can help keep Ottawa’s waterways safe by:

• Keeping boats and personal watercraft away from beaches and swimming areas;
• Never beaching a vessel at a public beach;
• Following posted signs and the directions of lifeguards;
• Wearing an approved, properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device;
• Checking weather and water conditions before heading out; and
• Avoiding alcohol while swimming or operating a vessel.

Whether you are swimming, boating or spending time at the beach, make safety your first priority.

Give swimmers plenty of space, respect designated swimming areas and never mix alcohol with boating or water activities.

OPS Marine, Dive and Trails Unit officers will continue conducting proactive patrols across Ottawa’s waterways and taking enforcement action where appropriate throughout the summer.

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