By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Oakland County Marine Deputy Jim Barriger doesn’t administer many tickets while patrolling Lake Orion.
But when he does, the culprit must be doing something obviously wrong.
‘I have one in particular that I would write a ticket almost virtually every time, and that is towing without an observer,? he said, while putzing around the lake last Friday during a routine weekend patrol.
But he would rather talk about boaters? safety.
‘The primary reason we’re out here as far as I’m concerned is to talk to boaters. A lot of people don’t realize they’re doing something wrong, and if we see it, we can at least stop them and advise them of it.?
While no drownings were reported for Lake Orion last year, one of the biggest inland lakes in Orion Township, Barriger said that it can happen within minutes, in a half a foot of water, and quietly.?
‘It’s not like drownings you see in Hollywood movies, which are loud and obvious. Typically they happen very quietly, they are unnoticeable and quick. It’s very scary.?
A drowning person will not be able to yell or wave for help, and their arms tend to extend horizontally, as if the victim is playing in the water. ?
Even if several adults are in an area where children are swimming, Barriger said at least one should be the designated person to watch all the swimmers on a full time basis.
According to a press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, 90 percent of all boating fatalities are due to drowning, and drowning is the third leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States, and second leading cause for people ages 11 to 44. It is the second leading cause of injury related death for children aged 15 and younger.
Also alarming, 70 percent of people on boats which have capsized, or otherwise have been thrown overboard, drown, and it only takes 20 to 60 seconds of struggle before submerging.
For these reasons, Barriger recommends swim lessons at a young age, and for water users to be conscious of safe swimming and boaters safety at all times.
The biggest issue he sees with Lake Orion is congestion, and boaters coming in between 100 feet of each other, the shore, docks, anchored recreational and fishing boats, while operating above the no-wake zone lawful speed limit.
? ‘Slow no-wake is the minimum speed you can go without creating a wake, it’s really just that simple,? he said.
According to Chapter 96 of the Lake Orion Michigan Code of Ordinances, it is illegal to operate a vessel at a speed greater than 40 mph. ?
‘We try not to bother people out here unless you actually physically see them doing something wrong, and? the most common thing is coming too close to other boats. Normally you just stop and talk to them about it.?
One thing he’s noticed over the years is the accumulation of boats per household.
Before, the average person on the lake had just one boat. Now they could have two or three, he said, including a speed boat, pontoon boat and they may have jet skis too.
With more watercraft enjoying the lake, this means drivers must be extra aware of activity all around them, and keep a 360 degree watch at all times.
As most boaters learn in boater safety classes, and which Barriger recommends, is taking time to learn the rules of the lake, which are first and foremost defined by state ordinances. Every city village and township has local ordinances other than state law, and boaters should know the following for Lake Orion:
1.??????’It is illegal to operate a vessel exceeding a slow-no wake zone within 100 feet of any shore, dock, raft, buoyed or bathing area, or anchored/moored vessel, except if picking up a water skier or towed person.
2.??????’Vessels may not operate at high speeds one hour after sunset, and one hour before dawn.
3.??????’All motorboats must be equipped with a muffler, underwater exhaust or other noise reduction device. If the water muffler or other device is not in constant use, it will be a violation.
Like all lakes in Michigan, Barriger said carrying the following equipment is a must, and must be within reach of the motorboat operator: a personal flotation device for every passenger, properly fitting, with people being towed wearing a type I, II, or III vest; vessels longer than 16 feet must possess a type IV throwable PFD; all boats must possess a fully charged U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher for vessels carrying any type of flammable liquids or fuels (one extinguisher for boats 26 feet long and less, two for boats sized 26 to 40 feet and three for vessels 40 feet long to less than 65 feet); a horn/portable device/or whistle capable of being heard from a half mile away; and for federal waters accessible flares and day signals must be stored in a dry location.
Barriger also recommends extreme caution when towing passengers during water activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, amongst others. A spotter is absolutely required, and must face the person(s) being towed at all times, allowing the driver to keep his full attention on the lake in front of him.
Also, be sure to check the towrope for fraying, knots and other damage prior to use, and do not use it if it is damaged. Because towropes stretch during use, they can snap back at passengers if it suddenly breaks or becomes loose.
For additional information see’https://www.oakgov.com/sheriff/Pages/safety_tips/boating.aspx.