The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol was part of a coordinated effort earlier this month to help a man whose kayak had overturned in Lake Michigan.
The U.S. Coast Guard alerted the sheriff’s office on Aug. 8 that a kayaker was in need of help. Marine Unit deputies responded to Lake Michigan to aid in the search.
About two hours into the search, a Coast Guard helicopter spotter spotted a kayak about two miles offshore with the occupant atop the overturned boat. Sheriff’s deputies and officers from Winthrop Harbor piloted their boats to the man and brought him aboard. Officers were able to tow the kayak back to shore.
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The kayaker was not hurt. His decision to wear a life jacket was important, police said.
“We are proud of the work of our Marine Unit and grateful for the coordinated response from the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Station Great Lakes Police, local fire departments, and all of the personnel who assisted with the search,” the sheriff’s office said. “When someone is in trouble on the water, it takes a team. This was a great example of agencies working together to help bring someone home safely!”
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While we’re on the topic, a free course on boating safety is being offered on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grant Township Center Community Room, 26725 Molidpor Road, Ingleside.
The course, offered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will cover a wide variety of topics, including safety equipment, navigation rules, personal watercraft regulations, rules for towing tubes, skis and other recreational gear, and basic maintenance and emergency procedures.
Registration is required. To register, email [email protected] and provide the names and phone numbers of those attending.
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Hard to believe, but summer is coming to an end, and with it, another school year is beginning.
With that in mind, the Waukegan police offered some timely tips to make sure that student safety remains a priority.
The tips:
·School buses are back! If the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out, STOP! Give our students plenty of room and time to safely get on and off the bus.
∗ Slow down in school zones and watch for kids crossing the street, especially around arrival and dismissal times.
∗ Eyes up, phones down. A few seconds of distraction can change everything.
∗ Walking to school? Use crosswalks, follow crossing signals, and look left-right-left before crossing.
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∗ Running late? It’s better to be a few minutes late than to rush through a school zone.
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And the end of summer also means Labor Day is right around the corner. Many police departments around Lake County will be joining with other across the state to enforce the traffic laws.
Officers will be on the lookout for drunk or drug-impaired motorists, speeders, seat belt violations or other dangerous driving behaviors. Departments will be enhancing patrols now through Monday, Sept. 8, the end of the holiday.
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Gurnee police will be serving up the steaks and other tasty plates at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant to help Special Olympics on Monday, Aug. 24.
Officers will be on hand at the Gurnee Mills site from 4-8 p.m. for Tip A Cop.
Officers will be mingling with patrons and helping around the restaurant and soliciting donations for a worthy cause.