Covid-19 Safety
Participants must adhere to all Covid-19 Rules laid out by:
​Canadian Federal (English here – French here);
Ontario Provincial (English here – French here);
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (here).
Canoe Kayak Canada Guidelines for Specific Covid-19 Measures (here).

Participants not adhering to Covid-19 rules / guidelines will be disqualified and prohibited from entering future Great Muskoka Paddling Experience (GMPE) events and be subject to the laws in force at the time.

Marathon Safety
Canoe, kayak and SUP marathoning is an extremely safe, low risk sport. Years go by without mishap. The sport is also low impact and easy on the body. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to a sense of complacency among race participants. The truth is that over time there have been cases of drownings, fatal cardiac arrest, lightning strikes, injuries and dehydration during marathon canoe races. We all know accidents can happen in any sport.

So who is responsible for safety during a canoe marathon ? The answer is everyone. If you come across competitors who have tipped, or are in trouble, you should ask them if they need help and whether they can swim. Provide assistance if needed. Racers should be able to perform a canoe / kayak over canoe /kayak rescue.
We have done our best to make sure the race courses are relatively safe. However, the nature of canoe marathons is such that there are often periods of time when paddlers are on their own and without support. You will be in charge of your own safety. You are operating a vessel and as such laws and race rules apply and it is up to you to know what those are. We'll provide you with the Race / Safety rules and Transport Canada can provide you with the applicable laws.

The key is really just common sense.

Know your own abilities as both a paddler and swimmer. Watch for other paddlers in distress.
Pull out of the water and find shelter if lightning is near by - follow the 30-30 Rule* - DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A STORM.
Don't race if your health is not 100% and quit if you become ill during a race.
Look out for the obstacles ( floating debris, under surface logs/branches, sweepers, etc.) on your watercourse.
The list goes on.
Know the facts, always wear a life jacket and think safety.