Lakes will be packed this week, and marine patrols will be working to keep them safe
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- Thousands are celebrating this Fourth of July weekend on the water.
But boaters beware--extra marine patrols will be looking for anyone breaking the law.
Marine patrols have one goal in mind and that's to keep you and your family safe.
Summertime in Northern Michigan. Kid Rock said it, and the spirit's holding true this weekend. The weather will be perfect for you to get out on the lake.
"We're expecting the rivers and lakes to be fully utilized this week, the towns are already bulging over," said Cheboygan County Sheriff Marine Chief Al May.
With the number of boats on the water, law officers will also be bulked up. On the water, officers can pull you over for no reason at all, and they urge you...just be prepared.
One thing Marine Chief Al May says to do is make sure you have valid tags. This guy said he simply forgot to renew. Another thing---a sufficient amount of life jackets.
"We can't stress enough the use of personal floatation devices and make sure they're the proper ones, size-wise," said May.
Last year in Cheboygan County, five people died in water-related accidents.
One thing Marine Officers say they're looking for is people creating wake in no-wake zones. If you cause damage to another boat, you're going to be the one held responsible.
Charlevoix County Sheriff's Marine Sergeant Chip Coulston was also patrolling today.
“How are you today? I just want to do a vessel check to make sure you have everything with you," Coulston said as he did a routine vessel check.
He says make sure you have PFD's, a fire extinguisher, the boat's registration, and a boater's safety card if you're under 31.
Another thing...stay out of swim areas. He caught this guy in one, and he says this is one of the more serious offenses.
“I don't know if they don't know or they drift into it, a lot of times they drift into a swim area, but they should know how to get out of it," said Coulston.
Being in a swim area is a misdemeanor. Luckily, today, this boater just got a warning.
Both officers say you can be drinking while driving the boat, but if you blow over a .10, you're going to jail---no question. Be responsible and be safe.
