SAFETY FIRST

By Kerrie Peterson, WLAC Safety Committee Chair

I have been fortunate enough to have spent the last 56 of my summers on beautiful Walloon Lake. I have also had the privilege of serving on the WLAC Boater Safety Committee for the last five years, and I am very excited about the work we've been doing.

As our Walloon Lake community changes and grows, the need for boater safety awareness is more important than ever. Our greatest interest in promoting safety is through education. The WLAC is not an enforcement organization, but does, however, have numerous resources that provide us with the research, science and facts to further our community's knowledge and understanding of a safe and healthy lake life.

My highest recommendation for EVERYONE that spends any time on the lake is to take the Michigan Boater Safety Certification Class that the WLAC is hosting with the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office. We will be offering the class twice this summer: Saturday, June 17th from 9am to 3pm and Tuesday, July 18th from 2pm to 8pm.

I cannot emphasize the importance of taking this class enough. Even if, like me, you took it decades ago, you will be surprised to know that the marine rules/ laws in the State of Michigan are robust and continually changing. The class is free and would be a great thing to take advantage of as a family. Grandmas and Grandpas, you can take a refresher course along with your grandkids who can learn for themselves how to recreate safely and responsibly!

We are all looking forward to enjoying another summer season on Walloon safely.