Boating Safety
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BOATING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR UPPER STRAITS LAKE


  • Safety on the lake is everyone’s responsibility…children, teenagers, and parents

  • Most problems on the lake are caused by visitors and guest who are not familiar with our rules, safe boating guidelines, or craft operation.

  • Before your friends or guests launch a boat or operate any watercraft, be sure they are aware of lake rules and sate boating guidelines and are familiar with the operation of the craft.

  • Remember the owner of a personal watercraft is liable for any injury caused by a negligent operator.

  • Jet Skis account for only 20% of the boat population but account for more than 44% of all boat related injuries

A copy of Michigan Personal Watercraft Regulations is available at the Secretary of State office or at any boat dealer.  Call the Sheriff Patrol, Marine Division at 248 391 0256 and they will send you the information.

  • It is unlawful to operate a vessel that creates noise levels above 75 decibels measured from on shore or 90 decibels at idle from 3 ft away

  • All traffic must circle the lake in a counter-clockwise direction (Boats, Tow Boats, & Jet Skis).

  • Boat and Jet Skis speeds should be kept under 40 mph  (speed limit is 55 mph)

  • There must be life jackets for everyone on board

  • For all motorized craft, there must be an operating fire extinguisher on board

  • A person under 12 years of age shall not operate a personal watercraft in this state

  • Boats must pass to the right of oncoming traffic

  • Lights must be displayed after dusk

  • After dark cruise must be a Slow or No Wake speed

  • Jet Skis should not operate on the lake after dark or one hour before sunset to sunrise

  • Power boats and Jet Skis should stay at least 100 feet from the ski course, fishing boats, or sail boats

  • Know the lake to avoid shallow areas, such as, Entrance to Elmgate Bay, NE shoreline, Sandbar opposite Straits Lake Beach, SE shoreline Whispering Pines

  • Stay a minimum of 100 ft from swimming areas, buoys, and rafts

  • Water ski boats must have an observer while pulling a skier or persons on float tubes

  • Cruising boater must give right of way to boats towing or sailboats

  • Never exceed the boats published passenger capacity or weight limit

 

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