A Michigan summer is the siren song for water enthusiasts. The freshwater shorelines beckon boaters, sailors, fishermen and skiers for adventure atop the waves, sunlit fun with friends and a brag-worthy catch.
“People don’t realize how fortunate we are to have access to the greatest freshwater system in the world, right from here,” says Steve Guc, a State Farm Insurance agent in Mount Clemens. Not only is the sight of shipping vessels cruising across Lake St. Clair a marvel, but the expanse of 11,000 inland lakes accessible throughout the state is one-of-a-kind.
“Everyone wants to go out and have a good time on the water, but you do have to pay attention,” notes Steve, who grew up in a boating family and still enjoys it recreationally and as an avid fisherman. “Boating is fun and it’s a social thing to do, but there is a lot of responsibility that comes with it.”
In 2022, the top five contributing factors in boating accidents across the state were operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and machinery failure. To avoid these and other mishaps, Steve shares tips for watercraft safety.
Keep essential equipment on board
Make sure to outfit your boat with the proper and required equipment, including fire extinguishers, flares, a first aid kit, nautical charts, an anchor and correct-fitting life jackets. Of people who drowned in boating-related fatalities in 2022, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. “You have to make sure you have safety equipment, not just legally, but because you care about the people aboard,” says Steve. In Michigan, any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is legally required to pass a boater safety course.
Know your boat
Every boat distinguishes how many people can be on board and how much weight it can carry, Steve notes. Even if a boat has the space, it can often become overloaded. He also sees inexperienced boaters who don’t understand how to operate it safely from a mechanical standpoint: “The battery has to be charged, you need to have enough gas and know how to use the GPS system, if one is installed.”
Observe your surroundings
“Lake St. Clair is a big lake, and it doesn’t take long to get away from where you departed so that you can’t see it anymore,” he warns. “Know where you are, where you’re going and how to get back. Everything looks different when you’re out on the lake and looking back at the shore.” Additionally, the weather can change frequently and fast. “Lakes are big and can get really rough and dangerous.” Steve also notes that a decrease in water levels can unknowingly cause damage to both small and large watercraft, as can debris and deadheads flushed in from rivers. “The water is returning to normal levels, so the same place you were before, now you’re going to hit the bottom,” he cautions.
Boat while sober
“When you add alcohol, an inexperienced operator and being out in the sun all day, it’s a recipe for trouble,” says Steve. Alcohol is the leading factor of boating accidents – and just like being behind the wheel of a car, it can impair judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
Invest in insurance
A boat is a significant investment – but it can be costly if you have an unexpected repair or accident. That’s why it’s important to put a good insurance policy in place for whatever may happen, whether your boat sinks – either out on the waves or right in its well – or is crashed into, like what you’ll see with the hundreds tied up together and trapped at Jobbie Nooner. “The common misconception about boat insurance is that it’s expensive, but it’s not,” Steve says. “When you have all of this money poured into your boat, it makes sense that you want to protect it.” You can find out more about the type of boating insurance Steve provides by visiting www.steveguc.com or calling (586) 469-6400.