The City of Morden and members of the police service have received complaints of unsafe use of personal watercraft (PWC), often called Jet Skis, on lake Minnewasta.

A memo released by Police Chief Brad Neduzak and Morden's Director of Community Services, Claire Agnew, says if this behaviour continues, it could result in restrictions and possible cancellations of lake use for these kinds of watercraft.

"The reason we decided to put this memo out is we've seen an increase in PWC use on the lake. That's awesome, and we want people to enjoy the lake, but we want to make sure everyone is on the same page on the safety aspect of things."

Neduzak adds it is a privilege to use a PWC, and operators should be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations of the lake. An operator is responsible for themselves, their watercraft, guests, and the boats and other PWC around them.

According to police and community services, Lake Minnewasta rules include:

All PWC must be registered at the gate or campground office and display a valid pass (daily or seasonal) on your truck and or trailer.

Only fishing and non-motorized boats are allowed before noon and after 8:00 pm.

Tuesday and Thursday are no wake days after 6:00 pm.

All trailers must be parked in the designated parking area at the top of the boat launch area.

You are not allowed to use the canoe launch area to put your personal watercraft in the water.

Instances of careless boating will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police.

You must follow the boat route posted.

Do not cross the buoy line.

Neduzak says although the rules apply to all watercraft, the memo was specific to PWC operators with the increase of use they've seen over the summer.

"Our primary focus is on safety. The numbers which are on the lake at one given time, our lake isn't that big, and we have to be careful so everyone can enjoy it."

The memo also reminds residents the Province of Manitoba requires all motorized watercraft operations to have a valid Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.