DETROIT (WWJ) - Waterways around Detroit and in the Great Lakes are expecting to see heavy traffic after a huge boom in boat sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting officials to remind boaters to stay safe.
WWJ Newsradio 950 reporter Mike Campbell said the Wayne County Sheriff's Office is expecting a lot of new boaters around Michigan in 2022, and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office warns that while the season can be a fun time, it can also be deadly.
"We just want folks to be out here having a great time and being safe," Undersheriff Jaafer told WWJ's Mike Campbel. "That's why we're here."
Jaafer said many of the rules that apply when behind the wheel of a vehicle on the road also apply when behind the wheel of a boat.
"If you're drinking and driving, it's the same thing on the waterways: it's illegal, you can't do it," Jaafer said. "If you're a CPL holder and you have a gun on you and you're drinking on the boat, the same rules apply."
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Jaafer told WWJ's Mike Campbell that the Wayne County Sheriff Marine Division responds to at least five drownings every summer.
Most, he says, are found to have alcohol involved.
Jaafer encourages boaters to restrict driver-drinking times to when the boats are at the dock.
Officials said operators of personal watercraft must also be aware of the rules.
"The wave runners and jets skis are also a big part of this equation on the waterway," Jaafer said. "Jet skis can be very dangerous and we ask the folks that are on the jet skis to be responsible and respective on the waterway."
Due to high water issues, Wayne County has a “500-feet slow/no-wake ordinance” near shore that Jaafer wants boaters to observe.
There are also a number of jet ski-free zones in front of marinas and harbors where authorities say drivers have gone through them anyways.
"We want folks to come out here and have a good time without the tragedies and irresponsibilities that involve boating," Jaafer said.
Free safe boating pamphlets and class information is online at sheriffconnect.com.
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