Hanlan's Point Beach is getting a bubble zone to keep away motorized boats and vehicles
'Motorized watercraft exclusion zone' to extend 200 metres off shoreline, marine unit says
Toronto police's marine unit will create a bubble zone around Hanlan's Point Beach as a pilot project this summer to improve safety for swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders.
The "motorized watercraft exclusion zone" will extend 200 metres off the shoreline of Hanlan's Point Beach, the marine unit said in a news release on Friday. The pilot project is being introduced with the help of the city and Ports Toronto, the marine unit added.
All motorized vessels, including personal watercrafts such as Sea-Doos and Jet Skis, powerboats and sailboats, will be banned from entering the designated area.
The marine unit says "clearly marked buoys" will be set out on Monday to make the boundaries of the zone clear and marine unit officers will patrol regularly to ensure there is compliance, using education, safety checks and enforcement when necessary.
"The Toronto Police Service Marine Unit remains committed to the safety and security of our waterways and beaches," the marine unit said in the release.
As well, a 400-metre "quiet zone" is in effect along Hanlan's Point Beach, which means boaters must keep music and amplified sound at reasonable levels, the marine unit said.
"Sound travels further on water, and this measure is intended to preserve the enjoyment of all beach and water users," the marine unit said.
According to the marine unit, the exclusion zone is supported by the Canada Marine Act and will be formally listed in the PortsToronto Rules and Procedures, Port Authority Regulations.