Following a string of boating rescues, Michigan Coast Guard officials are again expressing to use extreme caution when using the state’s waterways. They report that there have been more than 70 drownings on the Great Lakes in 2019. The U.S. Coast Guard indicates that cold-water temperatures, rip currents, and boating without a life jacket are direct contributing factors to those deaths. Record high water levels are also creating strong rip currents. Kyle Thomas, officer in charge for the Coast Guard stations in Port Huron and Harbor Beach says preparedness is key. He points to a recent incident last week in Lake Huron where two fishermen were rescued north of Port Sanilac after their boat capsized, saying they were prepared with life jackets and a float plan. Thomas says without proper preparedness, the two fishermen likely would not have survived.
