PADDLERsmart! Canada Knowledge Base

If another boater or paddler is in distress, you’re required to provide assistance to them, so long as helping them does not place you, your passengers or your paddle craft in a dangerous position. This is the case if you’re in an accident with another boat, if you see or hear a distress signal on the water or if you simply suspect that another boater is in trouble. If you decide that it is too dangerous to approach the other boat, you must contact the appropriate rescue authorities.