River Patrol

Current river conditions:

River Water Levels & Seasonal Safety Reminder

All City of Winnipeg boat launches are now closed for the season.

Water level draw downs have begun, meaning water levels will drop by six feet by the end of October. This process allows for spring runoff and helps prevent flooding.

Boaters are advised to remove any boats and docks as soon as possible.

With the change in season, water temperatures in our rivers and waterways have also cooled significantly. As colder weather sets in, the risk of hypothermia increases for anyone who may fall into the water.

Please use caution around all bodies of water – including rivers, streams, creeks, and retention ponds – and stay safe.

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:

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.