Boating Rules

Welcome to our beautiful lake! Here you’ll find essential information about boating equipment restrictions, rental process, waiver requirements, and all the important rules in place to help protect our lake and community. We hope you enjoy your time on the water, but please remember, that safety comes first!

Inflatables are not allowed due to the presence of Whirling Disease in Alberta lakes.

Boating Activities Will Not Be Supervised!

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Water Temperature: Boating is only permitted when the water temperature is at least 10°C.
Qualified Operator: All boats and watercraft must be operated by a qualified ALRA Member who is at least 16 years old.
Flotation Devices: Every person on a boat or watercraft must wear a properly fitting Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times. Try to keep them dry if possible.
No Jumping/Swimming: Jumping off or onto equipment is prohibited.
Fishing: Fishing is only permitted from rowboats and canoes.
No docking on private docks, fishing docks, or swimming docks.
No equipment in swim areas or pulled up onto the rocks.
Damaged or Unsafe Boats: Any damaged or unsafe equipment must be returned immediately.
Hazardous Conditions: If conditions such as lightning, strong winds, or storms occur, all boats should come ashore immediately.
Compliance: All boating activities are to be conducted in strict compliance with the Canada Coast Guard regulations.
Safety First: No boat or watercraft shall be operated in a careless or dangerous manner.

Note: In the event of a boating accident a good safety rule is STAY WITH THE BOAT UNTIL ASSISTANCE ARRIVES.

Sign-Out Process: Boats must be signed out through an Arbour Lake Staff Member. Only qualified members aged 16 or older with a valid membership card are allowed to sign out boats.
No Reservations: Boats are first come, first serve. Reservations are not accepted.
Boat Return: Boats must be returned promptly after use and docked only in the designated boat launch area.

Rowboats, Canoes, and Kayaks: 2-hour maximum rental period.
Pedal Boats: 30-minute rental period.
During peak hours, rental time may be adjusted at the discretion of lake staff.
Return Time: All boats and equipment must be returned at least 30 minutes prior to closing.
No Rentals Close to Closing: Boat rentals are not permitted within 30 minutes of closing time.

Waiver Requirements

Every resident must have a boat waiver signed.
For minors (ages 12-17): A waiver must be signed by the legal guardian before using single kayaks and paddleboards.
Waivers must be signed at Arbour Lake for validity.
Guest are not permitted to go on any equipment alone, no exceptions.

Boating Equipment Restrictions