PUBLIC-SAFETY

Sheriff reminds boaters to be safe this summer

Cheboygan Daily Tribune
The Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department reminded boaters in the area that the county’s marine division will be patrolling local waters to make sure boaters are safe and following the rules of the waterways.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY — As the weather warms up and more boats take to the water, Cheboygan County Sheriff Tim Cook is reminding boaters to follow the law and be safe this summer. 

Cook said his Marine Division will be out on the waters this summer and advises boaters to follow the laws with regards to alcohol, speed, no wake zones, safety zones, safety equipment and number of persons allowed on your boat.

Fishermen return to the Cheboygan Marina after a long day at sea.

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“Our patrols will be looking to educate boaters so all can have a good time this summer,” said Cook. 

He added that alcohol and drug violations and no wake zones will be enforced. 

“The waters are for all to enjoy and I ask that everyone respect the others around them and for all to operate safely and within the laws,” Cook said. 

Boats sit on the banks of the Black River in downtown Cheboygan.

Cook noted that boaters should be prepared, and offered several safety recommendations while on the water. 

“The biggest is to be careful, be patient and use common sense when it comes to navigation and water activities; be mindful of your speed, passengers and what other boaters are doing around you,” he said. 

Other recommendations include having enough approved life jackets, ensuring the vessel is properly equipped with the needed gear for inland waterways and/or the Great Lakes, making sure your vessel is in good working order, letting people know where you will be and having a marine radio and cell phone.

For questions regarding boating, contact Recreational Sgt. Earl Manuel at (231) 627-8888.