7 Mistakes to Avoid on The Lake

Every once in a while, our boat renters come back to the dock after receiving a ticket from a maritime law enforcement officer. After years of renting pontoon boats on Torch Lake and many of the area's other beautiful lakes in NW Michigan, we've accumulated a list of what not to do while boating. Unless you enjoy the attention of men and women in uniform, don't do these 7 things:

1. Reckless operation and/or unsafe maneuvering

   Operating in a manner that endangers people, property, or other vessels. Sudden turns, weaving, cutting off other boats, or creating collision risk.

2. Operating too close to people or property

   Traveling above no-wake speed near swimmers, docks, shorelines, or anchored boats.

3. Operating under the influence

   Alcohol or drug-impaired operation or creating the appearance of potentially being under the influence.

4. Overloading the vessel

   Exceeding the boat’s rated capacity for people or weight (or even approaching your boat's limits will garner attention).

5. Insufficient safety equipment

   Most obvious is being underway with small children not wearing life jackets. Children under 6 must wear an approved PFD while underway, even babies being held by adults.

6. Unsafe passenger behavior

   Riding on the bow, gunwales, transom, or any position not designed for seating while underway. Hanging legs off bow while underway will do it every time.

7. Unsafe towing practices

   Towing skiers or tubers without proper lookout, distance, or compliance with safety laws.

When law enforcement notifies a boater of their misdeeds, the most frequent response is, "I didn't know." Unfortunately, that is never a viable legal defense and will usually not get you out of a ticket. As they say, "knowing is half the battle". For more useful information download a copy of The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities here: Boating rules and regulations