Stay away from flooded areas, rushing rivers and streams

As a record volume of water driven by snowmelt and spring rain runs through the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, water is also high in many other areas of Michigan's northeastern Lower Peninsula, and that means putting safety first.

Resist the urge to fish, explore or put a watercraft in floodwaters or swollen rivers.

“Higher waters can cause fast-flowing currents, deeper and colder water, unpredictable conditions and more debris floating under the water’s surface, especially on rivers,” said Jen Wolf, acting assistant chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division.

Throughout the season, any boat, regardless of size, must be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person on board.

Here are additional tips from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for dealing with standing or flowing spring floodwaters:

• Do not walk, wade or try to swim in floodwaters. Floodwaters may be contaminated with bacteria, hazardous waste or chemicals.
• Floodwaters may cover live, downed electrical lines which could cause a fatal shock.
• Stay away from lakes and rivers when water is high. With soft ground, you can lose your footing and slip into water.
• If you are driving and water is over the road, turn around. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.

Get more information about preparing for floods and other weather events at MIReady. Find additional high water safety information on the DNR’s website.

Cheboygan County emergency officials also advise people to sign up for emergency notifications through the Be Alert system.