ESCANABA — With the arrival of sunshine and warm weather in Delta County, many people will go take part in recreational activities on Lake Michigan. Delta County Sheriff Ed Oswald provided safety tips for boaters to keep in mind before they hit the water this summer.

One of the most important things Oswald said boaters should remember to do is to look at a marine weather forecast before they leave.

“Know that your plans may change due to weather,” he said.

An important part of this is staying aware of wind speeds and directions.

“You have to know the wind,” Oswald said. He noted that, even on days where the lake looks calm from shore, winds can create strong waves further out.

Along with keeping abreast of weather conditions, Oswald said people should ensure their boat is ready to go before heading out.

“Make sure your boat’s in working condition, of course,” he said. While getting ready to leave, boaters should check their engine and fuel/water separator, do any general maintenance that needs to be done, and ensure that they have personal flotation devices for everyone that will be accompanying them.

Oswald said this last point is crucial due to the risks associated with boating.

“Any problem within your boat (could) cause it to sink,” he said.

Another important item for boaters to have is a marine radio.

“Depending on how far out you go, your cellphone may not work,” Oswald said. However, a marine radio allows boaters to get in touch with other people in areas without reliable cell phone reception. (Boaters can put their phone in a resealable plastic bag to avoid the risk of water damage.)

Oswald also encouraged people to know how accurate their boat’s fuel gauge is and to fuel up before they head out. According to Oswald, fuel gauges on boats can be unreliable.

“Gas gauges never work (properly) on a boat,” he said.