Happy NEW YEAR from Land of Lakes Association!!

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Everyone at Land of Lakes Association would like to wish our lake community friends a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year! During 2018, we enjoyed many great outings with our members, but our most attended event of the year was our July Association meeting, when we had a special guest from the Kent County Sheriff Marine Division.

It was a “question and answer” format with many neighbors bringing up questions and concerns over boat traffic and boating regulations. Here are a
few of the highlights that were discussed:

1. Michigan law requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG –approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway. Type 1 or II PFD, one that flips them over (swimmies are not acceptable for under 6 years old.

2. Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1978, may operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate.

3. Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate and accompanied on board by parent or legal guardian.

4. Kayak & Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) must have life jacket on vessel.

5. Cannot sit on front of pontoon boat while under way.

6. Boats bigger than 16 ft. must have throwable PFD.

7. Children must ride behind parent on PWC.

8. 2-person PWC cannot tow anyone.

9. “Slow, No Wake Speed” means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and which does not create a wake.

10. The vessel or persons being towed must not be within 100 feet of shoreline, any moored or anchored vessel, a dock or raft, any marked swimming area or person(s) in the water. Will cite if caught. Boats are liable, if damage caused.