Boaters and paddlers reminded to stay safe as peak season approaches

Thousands of recreational users share the waterways of Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River each year with commercial vessels, ferries and floatplanes

Vancouver, B.C.: With recreational boaters and paddlers preparing to return to the water this spring alongside commercial vessels, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is urging people to prioritize safety on the region's busy waterways. This will be especially important in the months ahead, as the port authority expects recreational marine traffic to increase with Vancouver hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

Each year, more than 3,000 commercial vessels transit the waters of Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River, sharing space with pleasure craft, paddlers, ferries, and floatplanes. During the peak season, heightened awareness and caution are critical for everyone on the water.

"As we head into the busiest time of the year on the water, safety must come first," said Sean Baxter, Harbour Master and Director of Marine Operations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. "Our team of dedicated harbour patrol officers is out on the water helping educate recreational users and escorting commercial ships safely through the busy port. We are reminding boaters and paddlers to stay alert, follow local rules and be aware of their surroundings when sharing waterways with commercial traffic."

Boaters and paddlers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the port authority's Boaters' Handbook, which outlines rules, procedures, and best practices to help stay safe when cruising through the shared-and busy-waters that make up the Port of Vancouver.

To help improve visibility and access to safety information, the port authority has installed boating safety signage across its jurisdiction. The signs, located at key access points and high-traffic areas, include QR codes that link directly to safety information and local navigation rules.

Local speed restrictions are in effect throughout the Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River. In Coal Harbour, where floatplane activity is frequent, vessels must not exceed five knots and must keep clear of floatplane operations. Boaters should avoid loitering in this area and must not cross or obstruct the path of floatplanes.

This seasonal safety reminder comes ahead of National Safe Boating Awareness Week, which runs in mid-May. Led nationally by the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the campaign aims to raise awareness of safe boating practices and encourage recreational users to review the rules before heading out onto increasingly busy waterways. The port authority supports the campaign through ongoing outreach, education and on-water engagement by its harbour patrol team.

For more information on staying safe on Port of Vancouver waterways, visit portvancouver.com/safeboating.