WATER SAFETY PRESS RELEASE:
With the boating season upon us in Northern Michigan the Cheboygan County Sheriff Department wants to remind boaters of several safety recommendations. Undersheriff Josh Ginop wants boaters to be careful, use common sense, take the steps necessary to avoid tragedy and have a fun and safe boating season.
Undersheriff Josh Ginop wants to advise boaters and jet skiers to follow the laws with regards to alcohol, speed, no wake zones, safety zones, safety equipment and number of persons allowed.
The minimum age to operate a jet ski is 14 with a boater’s safety certificate and with adult supervision on the water. At 16 YOA with a boater’s safety certificate one can operate without supervision.
To operate a boat anyone born after July 1st, 1996 must have a boater’s safety certificate. For personal watercraft such as a jet ski one must have a boater’s safety certificate if born after December 31st, 1978.
Undersheriff Ginop said the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department operates five boats and two jet skis for patrols on the inland waterways and Lake Huron. “We are out patrolling the waters and we ask boaters to be courteous and abide by the laws of the water especially when it comes to speed and no wake zones and no wake within 100 feet of the shore, designated swim areas or docks on a lake” said Ginop.
The no wake law states a person shall not operate a vessel on the waters of this state at a speed greater than slow—no wake speed or the minimum speed necessary for the vessel to maintain forward movement.
Undersheriff Ginop also reminds boaters to make sure they have the necessary equipment and supplies as required by law. “There are a few different rules when it comes to boating on the inland waterways as compared to the great lakes so make sure you are aware what you need to have in order to be safe on the water.”
Undersheriff Ginop offers six safety tips to safe boating:
1. Wear an approved life jacket: 70 percent of boating fatalities involve drowning, and of those who drowned, 86 percent were not wearing a life jacket. With a number of colors and styles available, there is no excuse for not wearing a life jacket. When on a PWC or being towed behind a vessel you must be wearing a life jacket. Canoes and kayaks must also have life jackets aboard. Children under 6 must wear a life jacket when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway.
2. Make sure your boat is properly equipped and your equipment is in good working order: Boaters are urged to carry all the legally required equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, plus some recommended items, such as a first aid kit, charts of the area (to help you identify your location), and an anchor. Before venturing out at night, be sure to check your navigation lights. They should be working properly in order for you to be seen by other boats.
3. Avoid Alcohol: As much as 50 percent of all boating accidents involve alcohol. Alcohol affects your judgment, balance, and vision - all of which are necessary to operate a boat. Studies have shown that passengers are also 10 times more likely to fall overboard when they have been consuming alcohol. Please, wait until you get home to celebrate with a drink.
4. File a Float Plan: Similar to a flight plan for a pilot, a float plan gives the "who, what, when, and where" of your trip. A float plan should be filed with a friend or family member on shore and should contain clear instructions for the holder to contact the Sheriff or Coast Guard in the event that you don't return from your voyage when you are expected.
5. Maintain a sharp lookout: Everyone needs to be on the alert for other boaters in order to avoid a collision. This is especially true when operating near a bend, in crowded waterways, and at night or during conditions of restricted visibility.
6. Carry a marine radio or cell phone: Be prepared to call for help in the event that you are involved in an accident, your boat becomes disabled, or you otherwise need assistance. The VHF-FM radio is the preferred method for contacting the Coast Guard because they can use direction finding equipment to locate you. Other boaters with marine radios can also hear your call for help. While cell phones are also acceptable, make sure you have a full battery before heading out on the water. But, beware - there are often gaps in cell phone coverage on the water.
In short, boaters should be informed and prepared. By following these simple tips, paying attention and observing the laws, boaters should be able to enjoy a safe and relaxing season on the water.
If anyone has questions regarding boating laws, rules and regulations you can contact Sgt. Earl Manuel, Cheboygan County Recreation Division at 231-627-8888.
