Know Your Boating Right-of-Way: Stay Safe and Flexible

Toronto’s harbour and waterfront can get busy, especially on summer weekends. Whether you’re sailing a dinghy from Outer Harbour or cruising out of the Islands, knowing boating right-of-way rules helps everyone stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Here are a few basics to remember:

• Overtaking vessels must keep clear of the boat ahead, no matter what type of vessel it is.

• When crossing paths, give way to boats coming from your starboard (right) side.

• Head-on? Steer right. Both boats should turn to starboard to pass safely.

• Non-powered boats have priority. That means sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats usually have right-of-way over powerboats.

But rules aren’t everything. Conditions change quickly, and not everyone on the water knows what to do. Stay alert, be courteous, and when in doubt, yield early. A little flexibility can prevent a lot of stress.

See you on the water.