Thinking About Safety (the Most Boring Topic? –  Not This Time)

This pastoral sketch of the Humber Yacht Club from its website shows what boating should look like!

May 14, 2026

Individually, I can be less than observant about safety procedures – an admittedly poor model, even mocking the no-fun authorities..  But as editor, I can take the very high road and point out that it’s Safety Week and badger you about lifejackets, flares and so on.

However, this week (again) a couple of unbelievable incidents brought safe boating to life in a way that none of us can sweep under the carpet.

Last week the Humber Yacht Club had a huge fire. Yes, this is the same Humber Yacht Club the City of Toronto has been viewed with controversy for years. There has been alleged encroachment on non-leased lands, unauthorized structures, bonfires, as well as accusations that operators and members have shown aggressive behaviour. Perhaps most importantly a lot of people feel that jet skis and boats threaten the natural habitat and other boaters along the Humber River – an increasingly common story. The Yacht Club was supposedly straightening out but the citizens lost patience and recently city council voted to terminate the club’s lease.

Then, in the midst of the heated discussion, just a few days before the lease was to be terminated in late April, the 70 year old club had a large fire essentially destroying it. The fire is currently under investigation for a lot of reasons; did unsafe boating push some absurd reaction? Boating safety, personal safety – pretty graphic collision.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is investigating after a person driving a Sea-Doo struck a grey whale off Vancouver. You have undoubtedly seen the horrible video. Fortunately, neither were seriously hurt but the incident spawned some pretty serious backlash and a lot of discussion of pwc rentals, rules, speed limits.

Boating is meant to be (and is for most of us) leisurely, peaceful, fun in a world that is mired in chaos and madness. Take Safety Week as an opportunity to be sure your passions are enjoyed in a way that is safe your you and your guests as well as considerate of others and the environment.

John Morris, Online Editor