River Patrol

Current river conditions:

Stay Safe Around Frozen Waterways

As temperatures drop, the Winnipeg Police Service urges parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers of cold water and thin ice. Despite the cold weather, all frozen waterways in Winnipeg remain dangerous. Beneath the ice, water flows swiftly and poses a life-threatening hazard.

The Winnipeg Police Service River Patrol Unit advises everyone to exercise extreme caution near frozen rivers, streams, retention ponds, and ditches. These surfaces are unpredictable and unsafe, with hidden dangers beneath the ice. Always stick to designated and approved areas for ice skating and outdoor activities.

In Case of Emergency

  1. If you see a person or animal in distress, call 911 immediately.
  2. Do not attempt a rescue yourself—leave it to trained first responders.
  3. Remember: Falling through the ice into cold, fast-moving water can be fatal.

Your safety is our priority. Stay informed and stay safe this winter.

Safety on rivers & waterways

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service River Patrol enforce federal, and provincial statutes, and City of Winnipeg by-laws within Winnipeg.

Speed limits for boaters

  • Red River - Daytime 70 kph - Night 50 kph
  • Assiniboine River - Daytime 37 kph - Night 10 kph
  • Boat Launches and docks on the Red River are designated 9 kph.

Vessel regulations, boating safety & licensing

Transport Canada develops regulations, policies, standards, procedures, and work instructions related to vessel design, construction, safety equipment and oversight.

They also provide programs and services for safety, oversight, compliance and enforcement of Canadian vessels and manufacturers of vessels and safety equipment.

Visit the Transport Canada website for information on operating vessels on all waterways. This information includes:

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