As a service provided by the H.L.C.A.   We offer information directly related to SAFETY,  common knowledge of boat operations and suggestions for enhanced boating knowledge the whole family should know.
 
            **********    PERSONAL  WATER CRAFT -  aka: P.W.C.   **********
 
Did you know?
 
1.  A person operating a P.W.C. shall NOT cross within 150ft. behind another vessel?
 
2. A person operating a P.W.C. shall NOT operate within 200ft. of a submerged diver, 
   a vessel enguaged in underwater diving activities, a floatation displaying dive
   activity.
 
3. A slow-wake or no-wake speed must be observed within a 100ft. of docks and rafts,
   A buoyed or occupied bathing or swimming area, any person in the water or on the
   water in a personal flotation device, a vessel that is drifting or setting dead in the
   water.
 
4. **** When the throttle is not enguaged on most P.W.C. models, the person operating the craft is unable to steer.
 
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
 
1. A person shall NOT operate a P.W.C. if a child 7yrs is on board unless with a parent
   or guardian or designee of parent  or guardian.
 
2. A person under the age of 14 shall NOT operate a P.W.C. in this State.
 
3. A person who is 12 or more and less then 14 may use a P.W.C. on the waters of this
   State if all of the following circumstances exist:
   > The person is accompanied solely by the person's parent or legal guardian.
   > Both the person and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety
      certificate.
   > The P.W.C. is equipped by the mfg. with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch, and
      the parent or legal guardian has the lanyard attached to his/her person, clothing,
     or personal flotation device.
   > The P.W.C. is designed to carry not less then two persons.
 
4.  Persons born after Dec. 31, 1978, shall NOT operate a P.W.C. unless they obtain a
    boating safety certificate.
 
5. The operators of a P.W.C. MUST carry their boating safety certificate and display it
    upon demand of a peace officer.
 
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
 
1. Each person on board a P.W.C. must wear a personal flotation device.
 
2. Each P.W.C. MUST be equipped with one B1 type fire extinguisher.
 
                **********  SAFETY TIPS - KNOW THEM   **********
 
1. Always look behind you before you turn
2. Leave the P.W.C. off until everyone is on board and away from the stern
3. Know the weather conditions and act accordingly
4. Know the area where you'll be operating the P.W.C.
5. Know where water hazards are located.
6. Always match your riding style with your ability and conditions.
7. Keep hands, feet, hair, clothing, etc. away from the pump intake.
                  
 
                          BEFORE YOU GO........
**** Do you have enough gas?
**** Ride with a friend.
**** Tell someone where you're going and when you'll return

Michigan is a leader for registered boats in America.  Many boats are trailered to and from Higgins Lake.  Trailer knowledge is important and we felt it important to share some common sense knowledge for anyone who trailers their vessels.
 
 
                   LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MARINE TRAILERING:
 
1. Trailers must be licensed and registered.
2. Should the gross weight of the vessel and trailer exceed 3,000 pounds, the trailer
   MUST be equipped with brakes.
3. Trailers must have proper lighting, including turn signals, tail and brake lights.
    ALL trailer lights must be maintained in an operable condition, same as when
   the trailer was manufactured.
4. ALL towing vehicles must be connected to the trailer by a SAFETY chain or cable
   of sufficient strength to maintain connection under all conditions.

Click on the Logos to access these great informational web sites

      National Safe Boating Week

         May 17 - 23, 2008