The Ingham Co. Sheriff's Office keeps boating safe

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start of summer, sending flocks of people to Ingham County's waterways and beaches, like Lake Lansing. Before hitting the water, Sgt. Jeremy Doerr with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office said boating safety starts at the dock.

He suggested checking that your boat or kayak is in good condition as well as any equipment on board like navigation lights and electrical systems. Sgt. Doerr also said you should develop a float plan.

“It’s really simple. It involves telling someone where you are going, what body of water you are going to be on, how long you are going to be on the water and when you plan to return. Schedule check-in times, text about the fish you catch or the weather is good, so you can happily check in with people,” said Sgt. Doerr.

When packing your coolers, keep in mind that the same rules about drinking on the road also apply on the water.

“It can impair your judgment, balance, vision and reaction times,” he said. Alcohol can also increase fatigue and the effects of hot temperatures and cold water.

In addition to the cooler, make sure there are life jackets for everyone on board.

In Michigan, children under 6 years old must wear one when the boat is in motion and be careful about the type of life jacket you have.

“Type the big oranges and they have the highest bounce rate and they are made to turn you face up. When you move on to types two and three, those are not made to keep you face up in the water,” said Sgt. Doerr.

He said that although Type 2 and 3 life jackets have a different function, they can still keep a person afloat and are often used on jet skis and other personal watercraft.

Accident prevention can also take the form of obtaining a first aid kit directly from the store.

Keeping these things in mind can keep your summer plans in shape.

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