On the Water - Know Before You Go
This page lists some of the rules and regulations in place at Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. These rules are in place for the benefit and safety of our natural environment, wildlife as well as our guests. Always remember to respect our parks, and leave them as you find them, and if you are lucky enough to see wildlife - stay back!
A complete listings rules are outlined in The Parks Regulations, 1991, as well as The Parks Act.
Safety
According to Transport Canada if you canoeing or kayaking onto open water you fall under "pleasure craft" regulations and are required to have the following items. This is for your safety, you passengers and potential rescuers:
- One lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15m long (approximately 50').
- One bailer or manual bilge pump.
- One sound signaling device.
More information can be found in the ‘Safe Boating Guide’.
Consider the below safety checklist as you begin to plan your next trip out on the water.
- Carry a GPS, compass, chart, or map
- Carry a whistle
- Know the weather forecast
- Make a plan and leave it with someone on shore
- Remember a bilge pump, bail bucket with rope, and rescue gear
- Stow a drybag with extra set of clothing
- Wear proper attire, including a hat or helmet and footwear
- Warm layer of clothes
- Rain jacket
- Water, at least one litre per person
- Snacks, plus extra snacks
- Cell phone
- Emergency kit (matches, fire starter, tarp, rope)
- First aid kit
- Water-proof bag for everything
See Paddle Canada for canoeing or kayaking training.
Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for wildlands and doing your part to protect wild place and wild lands for future generations. The principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
For more information visit Leave No Trace