During this National Safe Boating Week, officials in Michigan are reminding everyone about the importance of following the law and safety protocols when they’re out on the water. Sergeant Al Bavarska, with the Marine Safety Law Enforcement Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, says it’s illegal for anyone to operate a boat or personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“One bottle of beer or can of beer or prescription drugs can affect your operation abilities when you’re navigating on the water, compounded with the sun beating on you, or the cold weather or just a rough sea,” Bavarska said.
In 2014, there were 107 boating accidents, resulting in 52 injuries and 20 fatalities in Michigan. Bavarska says many of them involved individuals who were not wearing life jackets. One life jacket is required for each person on a watercraft, and kids under age six must be wearing one at all times
