Crime & Safety
Oakland County Sheriff Urges Boater Safety
If you're hitting the water this summer, keep these safety tips in mind.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard is urging boater safety with those who plan to take to the water this summer after the recent Sylvan Lake tragedy that claimed the lives of two children.
"Given the very recent tragedies our community is enduring, we need to remind residents of these prudent safety steps and urge boaters and swimmers to please use caution at all times when out on the lakes this summer," Bouchard said in a news release. "Whether out tubing, diving, jet or waterskiing, people need to remember the rules of the water and use extreme care during sporting activities."
Bouchard said boaters should familiarize themselves with all applicable federal, state and local laws, the inherent risks of being on the water and proper use of equipment.
Find out what's happening in Oakland Township-Lake Orionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A free boater safety class is being offered by the Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. To register, call (248) 858-7831.
Bouchard urges boaters and swimmers to keep in mind the following safety tips:
Find out what's happening in Oakland Township-Lake Orionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Be aware of the weather
- Bring extra gear you may need should you become stranded on a boat
- Before boating, tell someone where you are going, who is with you and how long you expect to be away
- Ventilate after fueling
- Anchor from the bow, not the stern
- Take a boater safety course
- Be ready for the effects of a powerboat passing you in a narrow channel
- When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat
- Always carry distress signals on board your boat
- Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be readily accessible, correct size and one per person
- Children under the age of 6 must wear a Type I or Type II PFD while on the open deck of a vessel
- Persons operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a Type I, II or III PFD
- Vessels 16 foot or longer in length must have a Type IV throwable PFD in addition to lifejackets
- Use of Type III inflatable PFDs is illegal when operating, riding on or being towed by a personal watercraft
- Type III inflatable PFDs are legal on watercraft other than personal watercraft for those 16 years of age or older
Those boating between sunset and sunrise must have red and green navigation lights and a white stern and/or anchor light and flares must be accessible when on federal waters.
Boats should travel in a counter-clockwise direction around inland lakes and a safe distance should be kept from adjacent boats, jet skis and other vessels. Also be sure to note No Wake zones and adjust your speed accordingly.
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