A recent survey found that many cottagers in Muskoka are concerned about safety and the impacts boat traffic can have on the environment.

Traveling at high speed close to shore, large wakes and excessive noise were commonly cited problems.

Frances Carmichael chairs a community group called “Safe Quiet Lakes.”  She says the group has come up with a ten point boater’s code in response to the survey.  It’s meant to help everybody get along out on the water and draw attention to the issues.

“Our fundamental approach is to start the conversation we want people to talk about the issues,” says Carmichael.

The OPP's Ron Campbell says enforcement on the waterways only goes so far. 

“What we really need is working with the public, the associations and the people using the water are courtesy and common sense.”

Muskoka Lakes mayor Alice Murphy says the municipality cannot regulate boats on open water but she is hoping everybody on the water here can learn to respect each other.

“I liken to share the road, we have a road and bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles have to share that in a safe manner, it’s the same thing here we have to share the water,” says Murphy.

The first sign with the new boater’s code went up in Port Carling, Ont. on and you can read it here.