Boat Wash Locations & Boating Safety/Rules

For a DNR copy of the New Boating Law Effective 2019 reference Aquatic Invasive Species along with a map showing boat wash locations around Higgins Lake click here: https://www.gerrishpolice.org/gerrish-township-police-department/laws/boating-regulations/

SAFE BOATING RULES

100 FOOT RULE: All powered boats must operate at no-wake speed within 100′ of docks, rafts, buoyed swim areas, moored boats or hoists and persons wading or swimming.
RECKLESS OPERATION: No weaving through congested traffic, crossing wakes of other water craft, being unreasonably or unnecessarily close to other watercraft or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed.
YOUNG BOATERS 12 YEAR OLD TO 16 YEAR OLD: Must have a boating safety course certificate to operate solo.
UNDER 12 YEAR OLD OR WITH NO CERTIFICATE: Must be under direct (on board) supervision of someone at least 16 years old.
LIFE JACKETS: An approved life jacket must be worn or readily available (not wrapped or under seat, etc.) for each person in the boat. Children under 6 years old must wear type I or type II life jackets while boat is underway. No exceptions.
BOW RIDING: Riding on the bow of a boat not designed for this purpose is prohibited.
INTOXICATION: A person who is intoxicated (same definition as for driving a car) may not operate or be in charge of any vessel.

For a DNR copy of the Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities, go to: https://assets.kalkomey.com/boater/pdfs/handbook/michigan-handbook-entire.pdf

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE BOATING SEASON!!