The USLA is making repairs to rocks and shoals beacons and will have them in place by the end of May.
Starting in May 2023, the USLA will no longer be marking many lake rocks and shoals.
In the past the USLA would mark many water hazards in Upper Stoney. As with many other “Good Samaritan” activities, rock and shoal marking can unfortunately expose the Association, and its members, to the risk of being named in a legal action, alleging negligence.
Stoney Lake is on a Federal water system and governed by Transport Canada regulations unlike land-locked lakes. The white bleach bottles are not considered an acceptable marker by Transport Canada standards and can no longer be used.
This year the USLA will be marking only some of the lake hazards, those currently marked with a beacon. The USLA will install these beacons by the end of May and remove the beacons from the lake mid October.
The USLA would like to remind boaters that the primary responsibility for a safe boating experience rests with the individual operator of a watercraft. Boat operators should follow the instructions on safe boating learned when preparing for and obtaining your Pleasure Craft Operators Card. As well, you should use common sense when travelling near shorelines, islands and areas displaying tell‐tale signs of possible shallow water and/or underwater hazards, which may not be marked with buoys.
The USLA and its directors and officers take no responsibility for injury to boaters or damage to boats as a result of contact with navigational hazards.
