WATERCROSS RACING

Sleds Take To The Lakes This Summer

Watercross racing is gaining popularity in Ontario and may be headed your way. 

For anyone unfamiliar with this recreational activity, it is essentially racing snowmobiles on water instead of ice. Yes, you read this correctly, it is not a form of speed boat racing as many people assume when they first learn of the term watercross racing or one of the other names it goes by that include snowmobile skipping, snowmobile watercross, snowmobile skimming, water skipping or puddle jumping.

Winter snowmobiles, referred to as 'sleds,' are modified and used for watercross racing and/or exhibition to enable drivers to skip, buck, jump, and wheelie their way to ferocious speeds well over 60 mph across the surface of the water while navigating around a course. Watercross racing is noted for being fast and loud. Although the intention is to hydroplane 'across' the water, these approximately 500 lb sleds often sink to the bottom of the lake, pond, or river, serving as the arena. This is considered part of the fun. Pontoon boats with winches haul up the sleds from underwater between races. 

The Ontario Watercross Racing Association (OWRA) organizes two-day events of this type. An average race day may consist of 40 - 50 heats of 4 - 5 watercross racers racing through a course. Lowballing the number could be 160 to 200 watercross racers racing on the lake daily. With 50% of the sleds sinking, 80 to 100 sleds could sink to the bottom of the lake over two days. Followed by equally as many disruptions to the sediment when the sleds are retrieved. 

We are not looking to begrudge anyone having a good time. We understand that economic opportunities are always being sought by small communities and are essential; more than money needs to be considered. The OWRA is to be respected for having rules and requirements in place to minimize environmental damage during events; however, this does not alleviate the negative impacts and concerns. Communities being scouted to host such an event are encouraged to look into the environmental concerns thoroughly before decision-making. 

This high-speed activity presents a wide array of stresses to wildlife, vegetation, soils (shoreline and lake bed), air and water quality, and the ecology of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as people, pets, and livestock. For instance, the wakes created by the racing sleds can disrupt the habitats of fish and other aquatic species, while the sediment disturbances can smother underwater vegetation. The offsetting effects of sediment disturbances, wakes, and invasive species raise enough concerns to ignite a negative cycle where one impact leads to and compounds the following, causing cumulative short-term and long-term adverse consequences.

Seeing as waterbodies such as lakes, ponds, or rivers are required as the arena for this recreation activity, individuals and groups across Ontario must be aware of what watercross racing is should an event be proposed for their community or novice enthusiasts that are unlikely to implement environmental precautions take to rip-roaring around a lake. There have already been such cases in some communities. At this juncture, it is hoped that watercross racing will be kept in communities that, past and present, have already hosted such events, as opposed to introducing this to other waterbodies.

Not In The Brochure

Every website and brochure about cottage country and rural communities in Ontario promotes picturesque views, beautiful lakes, and the 'tranquility' the region's natural elements offer. This tranquility is not just a marketing term, but a reflection of the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature, the undisturbed beauty of the landscape, and the serene sounds of the environment. These campaigns successfully entice new residents, cottagers, and visitors because many people want to escape urban communities' noisy, frenzied hustle and bustle. 

Communities putting 'stock and trade' into the natural elements as the websites and brochures support would do well to look after their investment (so to speak). These days, elected government officials and citizens need to give more thought to the environmental impact of our activities and those being considered for introduction into a community. Not weighing up the negative impacts does not make good business sense and is, in essence, chipping away at the very foundation cottage country is recognized for and tourism is based on. However, there are many other events that can attract visitors and boost the local economy without causing such significant environmental impacts. 

For communities to be turning efforts to attracting people via events that negatively impact wildlife and the environment versus attracting people seeking picturesque views, beautiful lakes, and the 'tranquility' the natural elements offer could merely be a trade-off of visitors (gaining some/losing some) rather than attracting more visitors. The potential loss of tranquility due to the introduction of activities that negatively impact wildlife and the environment could be a major concern for many visitors. 

Many resort owners, B&Bs, AirBnBs, and cottage owners who rent out their property during cottage season, as well as year-round residents in rural communities, would have many stories to share and concerns to express regarding visitors to the community who show little concern for protecting wildlife and the environment. Their concerns and experiences should be a key consideration for any community considering hosting a watercross racing event. 

The tranquil lakes in Ontario are not a place for the noise and environmental impacts accompanying watercross racing. The beautiful sounds of birds and nature should be protected at all costs. The potential loss of this natural soundscape due to an event that would negatively impact the nearby cottagers, residents, wildlife, natural environment, tourism, and the watercross participants and spectators should be a cause for concern for all. 

Negative Impacts

One point to reiterate is that the Ontario Watercross Racing Association (OWRA) does make some noted efforts about only using biodegradable oils and nonoxygenated fuel, and a 6" silencer is installed on the exhaust system. to 'ensure we are impacting the environment as little as possible.' These are noted efforts and are appreciated. Noise is still an issue; air pollution and emissions are lessened but not eliminated. Many other adverse impacts due to watercross racing are concerning and would affect wildlife, the environment, and area residents. 

Some of the concerns associated with 'Watercross Racing' include ...

Noise Pollution: Watercross sleds are loud and can be heard across vast distances, severely affecting the soundscape. This noise over two days would disturb and distress people, pets, and wildlife. Would you welcome hearing high-speed engines revving from 9 am to 4 pm? Noise pollution is recognized as being almost as detrimental to humans as air pollution. Imagine how wildlife would be impacted by two days of high-speed activity. Environmental advocates say engine noise can disturb wildlife, potentially driving some species from their habitats. 

Air Pollution: If you can smell it, you are taking in pollutants. Exhaust fumes can affect the heart, not just our lungs. Watercross sled exhaust contains dangerous levels of airborne toxins, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, aldehydes, butadiene, benzenes, and highly persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants degrade air quality and alter the environmental chemistry. 

Emissions: Although newer snowmobile models are marginally quieter and cleaner, they have a terrible environmental reputation. Snowmobiles not equipped with a catalytic converter can emit more hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, and carbon monoxide than cars and other road vehicles. Snowmobiles fitted with a catalytic converter are better; this only puts their emissions on par with cars and other road vehicles, meaning they emit greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change concerns. Carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) levels should be a primary concern to everyone, including watercross participants and spectators. CO is noxious to humans, especially nearby and over an extended period, as a watercross event would present. PM is a confirmed human carcinogen by Environmental Protection Agencies.

Shoreline Damage: 4 to 5 sleds taking off from the shoreline into the water can tear up the banks. Several 500 lb sleds being driven over the grassy areas that would serve as the pit area and service bays for sometimes as many as 200 watercross sleds would subject the area to rigorous wear and tear far greater than usual, possibly meaning costs to the community to restore. This has implications for taxpayers, and some may have something to say.

Lake Bed Damage: A sled sinking to the bottom of the lake may seem funny to some and render a few laughs after the fact, but a 400 lb sled settling on a lake bed stands to stir up sediment, cause damage to an otherwise undisturbed lake bed that supports an ecosystem. Stirring up sediment can add nutrients to the water, potentially causing excessive algae growth. These algae blooms can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, the release of toxins, and taste and odor problems. Algae blooms can reduce the ability of fish and other aquatic life to find food and can cause entire populations to leave an area or even die. Multiple 'sleds' sinking over two days increases these threats and damage.

Wake Concerns: Pontoon boats and sleds must be mindful of the wake each water vehicle makes. Large wakes can cause damage to shorelines and interrupt wildlife in and around a lake. Shoreline nesting animals like loons, who build their nests in areas along the shore where wind-driven waves do generally not reach, will be negatively impacted by increased wave activity and high waves. Note: Are requirements related to wakes being addressed by the OWRA at these events?

Vegetation Damage: An approximate 500 lb water sled that ends up at the bottom of the lake will cause damage to the aquatic vegetation and its vascular structure. This renders vegetation incapable of nutrient transport and function. This can affect the growth and availability of aquatic wildlife. This can temporarily reduce plant density for an undetermined period, affecting the aquatic wildlife that relies on it as a food source, natural habitat, and protective cover. Multiple sleds sinking over a two-day watercross event would increase the likelihood of this damage and threat.

Invasive Species: The spreading of invasive aquatic plant species is always a concern with water vehicles, and watercross sleds are no exception. Aquatic plants can and do get caught on the underside of water vehicles. Sleds arriving on site that were not cleaned after previous usage could introduce an invasive plant species into an otherwise healthy lake. If the lake a watercross event is hosted contains invasive species, sleds not cleaned could contaminate the next body of water they enter. Note: Will OWRA take precautionary measures to prevent and mitigate the spread of invasive species from one lake to another during this event? Will the sleds be inspected and cleaned before entering, exiting the lake, and leaving the site? 

Aquatic Wildlife: The number of pontoon boats and sleds on the lake would threaten turtles, fish, loons, crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, etc. All aquatic wildlife has an important role to fulfill and, as such, needs to be preserved and protected. The risk of propeller injuries is always a concern. A sled sinking to the lake bed could cause injury or mortality to unsuspecting or curious aquatic wildlife such as turtles, loons, and fish. 

Species At Risk: Although some people may view the lakes, ponds, and rivers as their personal playground, these waterbodies are critical habitats for species at risk, such as the turtle species native to Ontario, and facilitate the needs of all wildlife species that rely on the water. 

The mere presence of increased water vehicle activity in watercross racing would heighten intangible concerns about species at risk and the environment that cannot be measured in a conventional sense. Species-At-Risk are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment. Excessively loud noise can interfere with the physiological and behavioral patterns of species at risk and pose threats that impact the survival of many species. Wildlife that cannot cope with such adjustments may abandon their offspring, not see to their basic needs, become unhealthy, and/or be vulnerable to disease, resulting in death. 

Watercross Enthusiasts (Novice): An aftereffect that concerns whether private citizens of varying ages may take to DIY watercross racing at any time on any body of water independent of OWRA. Being novices, this could involve little measures to lessen the environmental impact of their sled and activities and, concerningly, unsafe practices that subject people and wildlife to unwanted noise, stresses, and the accompanying concerns.

Camping/Site Damage: Another concern related to a watercross racing event is the additional wear and tear due to racing participants staying on the event grounds. In the past, this has been requested. The increased demands on a site not intended as a camping ground impact natural landscapes and can include erosion, ruining vegetation, contributing to large swaths of bare soil that increase pollutants into the water, contamination through products used and discarded, triggering algae blooms, affect wildlife habitat, etc. Once a site is subject to rigorous activities, it is usually not exposed to impact and can occur quickly, while the restoration is extremely slow. Without meaning, Increased activity can destroy our favorite places.

Community Dynamic

Watercross racing has been shunned in other communities due to the noise and impact on wildlife and the environment. Two days of watercross racing could do more harm than good. With all due respect, it doesn't make sense to support an event that has unhealthy aspects for nearby residents, wildlife, the natural environment, and the participants and spectators.

You may not see yourself as a steward to earth, but we all are or should be, as we all have a vested interest. Animal, plant, and aquatic biodiversity keeps ecosystems functional. Healthy ecosystems allow us to survive, get enough food to eat, and make a living. Watercross racing is one of those human activities that threaten any lake's biodiversity and ecosystem, which the surrounding region is home to.

Thank you for reading this. It is hoped the content of this article has provided information that is helpful to people in communities considering booking a watercross racing event. If such an event has been proposed, we will encourage those involved in the decision-making process and the people in the community to check out videos to get a better sense of what is being proposed and consult with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in your district and/or other conservation organizations before considering such an event. If wanting to know more about the Ontario Watercross Racing Association and watercross racing, go to their WordPress Blog https://ontariowatercrossracingassociation.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR1vMkRxUWyWWuPeFuq5oLl-F3o9nLk2ErGJtYy8QMfoJ4dKyRpvMAGTYtU.

Moving forward, it would be great to see tourism generated in communities in Ontario by emphasizing each community's commitment to building awareness and teaching fellow travelers to respect wildlife and the natural environment as we do.

If you have any questions regarding this or other turtle-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative at 647-606-9537 (phone/text) or e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com. 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/ DickDaniels