Personal Watercraft Safety Plan

The City is developing a Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Plan to improve safety along Toronto’s waterfront in advance of the 2026 summer season.

  • Fall 2025: Research, partnership development and project planning
  • Winter 2026: Stakeholder and waterfront user engagement
  • Spring 2026: Draft Safety Plan reported to City Council
  • Summer 2026: Implementation of Safety Plan actions

The City is inviting input from stakeholders and waterfront users who are directly affected by personal watercraft activity, including rental operators, boating and paddling organizations, marinas, swimming groups, and other community organizations.

Engagement will support the City in:
  • building a shared understanding of current safety concerns along the waterfront
  • gathering input on priorities, risks, and areas of concern
  • testing potential actions and approaches based on real-world conditions
  • ensuring transparency about what can be influenced within the scope of the Safety Plan
    Engagement on this initiative will be primarily invitation-based and focused on key stakeholders and waterfront users. Activities will include:
    • a stakeholder survey to collect baseline perspectives
    • a day-long stakeholder forum to hear from implementation partners and discuss emerging directions
    • a virtual meeting to share back what was heard and how feedback was incorporated

    This process is designed to be focused and time-sensitive, recognizing the short timeline for reporting to Council.

    Level of Engagement

    This project has been classified as an Involve project based on the International Association for Public Participation Spectrum. This means we will work directly with stakeholders to develop and test the Safety Plan’s proposed directions.

    A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is the regulatory and industry term for small, motorized watercraft designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than inside it. Common brands include Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners.

    The PWC Safety Plan is a coordinated, multi-agency initiative guided by City Council direction and focused on reducing dangerous PWC activity through an integrated approach.

    The Safety Plan will explore opportunities to:
    • strengthen enforcement of City bylaws
    • clarify responsibilities for rental operators and users
    • expand public education and awareness efforts
    • and explore additional regulations.

    This work is being developed by the City in collaboration with key partners including the Toronto Port Authority and the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit, alongside local clubs, operators and waterfront organizations.