It’s always better to be safe than sorry when kayaking. Though there are not high speeds or motors involved, it can still be dangerous. As the sport has gained popularity, officers in Michigan have seen more people being irresponsible. “They say they’re finding kayakers with no life jackets or a phone to call for help. Some simply get tired and expect a lift. Others ignore weather that can turn dicey in minutes.” Be prepared, know the water conditions you are going into, and always wear a life jacket.
Port Austin — The conditions seemed ideal: wispy clouds against a blue sky, light wind, temperatures in the high 70s. But two kayakers lasted less than an hour in Lake Huron, making a U-turn back to shore due to choppy waves that couldn’t be easily detected from a marina in northeastern Michigan. “Better to be safe than to be on the news,” said Jim Schuster, 60, unfastening his life jacket. “We were taking on water like crazy. We’ll live to paddle another day.” It was a wise concession that authorities don’t always hear.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when kayaking. Though there are not high speeds or motors involved, it can still be dangerous. As the sport has gained popularity, officers in Michigan have seen more people being irresponsible. “They say they’re finding kayakers with no life jackets or a phone to call for help. Some simply get tired and expect a lift. Others ignore weather that can turn dicey in minutes.” Be prepared, know the water conditions you are going into, and always wear a life jacket.