TRAVERSE CITY — Now that the public is getting back on the water for the summer, it is important to remember some of the basics when it comes to water safety.
Sergeant Ben McManus with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office sat down with us and went over some things for those enjoying the water to remember.
For anyone enjoying the water, it is important you let people know where you are going and when you will be back, especially if you plan to swim or boat alone, especially with how unpredictable Michigan’s weather can be.
It is also important to have plenty of life jackets on your boat, and they are readily available.
“We had a couple unfortunate instances last year with people actually drowning that had life jackets in their boat but they weren’t accessible or in one case they were tied into the boat” says Sergeant McManus
With 146 bodies of water in just Grand Traverse County alone, water safety is important in the Great Lakes State.
Sergeant McManus adds it is also important to be responsible when you are having fun in the sun.
He tells us that while people can drink alcohol while boating, it is important to do so safely and in moderation, as you can still get in trouble for driving a boat while intoxicated.
And as people prepare to swim both on the beach and off the boat, Sergeant McManus says there are a few things people should keep in mind.
Sergeant McManus says ”One we always tell people, when you’re swimming, have people with you, and if you’re not the best swimmer, keep that life jacket either on or right next to you.. Jumping off boats when the water’s cold and they think they’re fine and then they’re not… they make a lot of inexpensive throwable type rope in a bag that people can they have them on their boats. We also encourage people yo maybe throw it in their beach bag as well ”
He adds that if something happens while boating, whether your boat battery dies or you are taking on water, you can reach out to the the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division of flag down a Marine Officer, as they are always happy to help.