Lifejackets to be distributed by law enforcement along the lakeshore this summer

ALLEGAN COUNTY — More than 150 lifejackets will be distributed in Allegan County this summer to help people, especially children, stay safe on the water.

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division is again participating in the Save-A-Life Program. It's partnered with the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors since May 2021 to provide lifejackets to families.

The program, which also distributes lifejackets in Muskegon County and Ottawa County, was created after a record 57 drownings were reported in Lake Michigan in 2020. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children.

Since 2020, WMLAR has gathered donations of lifejackets from multiple businesses, clubs and individuals. The lifejackets are then provided to marine law enforcement agencies and distributed to residents who need them.

Allegan County received more than 150 new lifejackets this year, according to the release. Marine deputies will distribute them to those who are boating without them.

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When a boater is found to be without required lifejackets, marine deputies educate the operator on legal responsibility and potential consequences in case of an emergency. Deputies then provide lifejackets.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Lifejackets to be distributed by law enforcement along the lakeshore this summer