Marc Idzerda enjoys riding Jet Skis as a way to escape the congestion of Toronto. He appreciates the freedom they provide, allowing him to navigate waterways that are inaccessible by land. "In 15 minutes, I’m at the island. I can go across to Niagara," he said. However, he acknowledges that not all Jet Ski users are as responsible. "Sea-Doos have a bad rap because people are a—holes," he added, referring to reckless riders who create tensions along the waterfront.

Since the pandemic, the number of boating incidents has increased, leading to heightened concerns among residents and local officials. Injuries and disputes between Jet Ski users and paddlers have prompted calls for stricter regulations. In June, Toronto established a 200-meter exclusion zone around Hanlan’s Point Beach, followed by a similar decision for Woodbine Beach, set to take effect next summer. The city is also considering additional exclusion zones at Marie Curtis Park and around Humber Bay.

Mike Janetakes, president of the Friends of Humber Bay Park, expressed concern over the rising number of accidents. He cited a recent collision between two Jet Skis that resulted in one driver being hospitalized. "It’s pretty scary," he said, urging caution until more regulations are implemented. The Toronto police marine unit has reported an increase in complaints about unsafe watercraft operation this summer, noting a rise in distress calls and collisions involving rented Jet Skis.

Despite the establishment of exclusion zones, some residents feel they are not effective. Roland Brunner, a beachgoer at Hanlan’s Point, compiled a list of violations he observed over 34 days, totaling 99 pages and nearly 700 infractions, primarily by Jet Skis. "They don’t really give a hoot about what they’re doing," he said, criticizing the lack of enforcement and awareness among boaters regarding the new rules.

The exclusion zone was created after years of advocacy by the Friends of Hanlan’s group to address ongoing harassment at the beach, which has been a gathering place for the LGBTQ community for nearly a century. However, Brunner noted that some boaters continue to approach the clothing-optional area, taking pictures and engaging in dangerous stunts. "The Jet Skiers are particularly menacing," said Natalie Whaley, another regular at Hanlan’s.

The police marine unit reported receiving over 65 complaints in June and July about violations of the exclusion zone. Councillor Brad Bradford, who advocated for the Woodbine Beach exclusion zone, emphasized the need for effective and enforceable safety measures.

Concerns have also been raised about the current licensing requirements for operating personal watercraft. Toronto police stated that the process is too lenient, requiring only a three-hour open-book online course. "You cannot drive a car without a test; operating a motorized vessel should be no different," they said. Some watercraft vendors agree, noting that many individuals pass the course without fully understanding how to operate a Jet Ski safely.

Rental companies have taken steps to improve safety, with some implementing speed caps and restrictions on where their watercraft can operate. Raj Mehta, CEO of a Jet Ski rental company, called for a permitting system to ensure that only responsible operators are licensed. He expressed frustration with the lack of response from the city regarding safety regulations.

Despite the efforts of legitimate rental companies, illegal operations continue to pose safety risks. Last month, police issued $17,000 in fines during a crackdown on unlicensed vendors and unsafe boating practices. Mehta noted that many of these offenders return to business shortly after being fined, highlighting the challenges in regulating the industry.

Tim Williams, from a Jet Ski accessory company, criticized unscrupulous rental businesses for jeopardizing safety and tarnishing the industry’s reputation. He estimated that some illegal operators could be making as much as $150 an hour during the summer, despite lacking the necessary experience or capital to run their operations safely. Williams lamented the negative impact these actions have on the image of Jet Skis.