For Your Convenience And Later Referral, This Post Will Be Saved To The Summer Safety Page
Summer has come to northern Michigan and as we enjoy everything that summer has to offer, please stay safe. Too much sun, too much fun, and sometimes a little too much alcohol can lead to tragedy.
Water Safety
Summer may be the only time that children and water mix. We all remember those days at the beach that ended too soon, and our children and grandchildren still share the same love of water, sand, and sunshine. Keep these safety suggestions in mind as you play in or around the water.
· Use a sunscreen. The latest guidelines recommend SPF 30 or higher and a reapplication every couple of hours. Protect your children’s future and your own health as well.
· Supervise your children around water. This means direct supervision, not simply knowing where your children are. Always adhere to the arm’s length rule with toddlers and water. It doesn’t take a lake to drown a child. Statistics report that during summer, one child drowning death occurs every 5 days in backyard inflatable pools. A child can trip and fall into the water and drown in one minute.
· Swimmers using our Mullett Township Beaches at Topinabee, Boy Scout Park, your favorite road end swimmin’ hole or your own cottage lake lot swim at your own risk. As with most small municipalities, it is impractical to employ Life Guards at our beaches. Whether there is a warning sign posted or not, you are responsible for your own safety. Follow these common sense safety rules:
1. Don’t swim alone. Bring a buddy or two and share the fun.
2. Know your swimming area. Be aware of water depth and hazards that may be hidden below. Our local lakes are now home to Zebra mussels. Their shells can be razor sharp and foot protection in the form of swim shoes should always be worn.
3. Never dive into water without knowing the depth.
4. Always be on the lookout for motorized watercraft, both boats and PWC. Motorized watercraft by law must stay 100 feet from a swimmer unless they are operating at a no-wake speed. If they do not see you or know the law, your awareness of this safety hazard is your best defense. A defined swimming area marked by buoys does not guarantee your safety. Every summer boaters are observed motoring between the Topinabee Beach swim buoys and tying up at the clearly identified swim dock.
5. Don’t rely on floaties, water-wings, noodles, air mattresses, tubes or other flotation devices as a substitute for swimming skills. They are water toys and should only be used in shallow water and close to shore.
· Boaters have demonstrated over the years their inability to follow safe practices and now have numerous common sense safety laws to adhere to. Here is a link to a handbook on safe boating practices and laws courtesy of the State of Michigan:
Michigan Boater's Handbook
Lightening Safety- The Weather Service notes that Michigan consistently ranks in the top three categories in the nation for lightning deaths, injuries and casualties. When you hear a storm approaching, leave the water immediately. If you can hear thunder, a lightening strike is possible where you are. Seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Never seek shelter under a tree.
Lightening Safety- The Weather Service notes that Michigan consistently ranks in the top three categories in the nation for lightning deaths, injuries and casualties. When you hear a storm approaching, leave the water immediately. If you can hear thunder, a lightening strike is possible where you are. Seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Never seek shelter under a tree.
Hiking Safety
· Hikers and joggers using the Rails to Trails through traversing Mullett Township or venturing into our backwoods are encouraged to follow these simple safety guidelines:
1. Wear suitable footwear or hiking shoes. Don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellant may be needed. Layered clothes are recommended for an all day hike. A hat and rain protection may be needed as northern Michigan is renowned for its fickle weather. If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.
2. Carry water and keep yourself adequately hydrated. Recommendations are to drink 8 to 12 ounces of water before starting out and 4 to 8 ounces every 30 minutes. Thirst is your body telling you that dehydration has already started.
3. Carry a cell phone. A twisted ankle or other medical emergency on the trail can be dealt with quickly if needed if you have a cell phone and a good idea of where you are.
4. If you are venturing off the trails, exploring state land or a signed nature preserve, use and follow clearly identifiable trails. Use of a GPS device is recommended as well as a cell phone, and always let someone else know of your planned hike and destination. Best practice, advise them of the latest time you expect to finish, and call them promptly when you do finish your hike.
Safety on Wheels
· Bike riders using the Rails to Trails, local roads and State highways must know and follow all applicable vehicle laws.
1. Wear suitable biking attire and helmet. Don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellant may be needed. Layered clothes are recommended for an all day bike ride. A rain poncho may be needed.
2. Carry water and keep yourself adequately hydrated. Recommendations are to drink 8 to 12 ounces of water before starting out and 4 to 8 ounces every 30 minutes. Thirst is your body telling you that dehydration has already started.
3. As a vehicle operator, yield the right of way to walkers, hikers and joggers. Be safe, be courteous.
4. When riding on roads or highways, ride as close to the right shoulder as possible and always with the traffic. Although state law allows two abreast riding, best practices are to attempt to stay to the right of the fog line on paved roads. An accident between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle is never a fair fight. Watch for inattentive drivers and live to ride another day.
· ATV riders in Mullett Township and all of Cheboygan County are afforded a tremendous riding experience courtesy of the Cheboygan County Off-Road Vehicle Ordinance. Off - road vehicles with a DNR off - road sticker may legally operate on the shoulder of the road on almost all county primary and secondary roads. Here is the link to the entire ordinance:
1. If your ATV does not have roll-over protection, always wear a DOT approved helmet. If equipped with roll-over protection, always wear your seat belt.
2. Read your ATV owner’s manual and be familiar with its safe operation.
3. Never operate your ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Follow the law and common-sense safe practices when riders under 18 years of age are on the ATV.
5. Follow the safety rules as set down in the Cheboygan Off-Road Ordinance.
6. Adhere to all Michigan laws pertaining to the safe operation of ATV’s. Here is a link:
