Memorial Day Weekend typically marks the unofficial start of boating season in Wisconsin.
Despite foggy conditions on Lake Michigan Friday morning, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office is expecting more traffic on the water in the coming days.
"We're going to see a lot more boating activity," said Lt. Jason Liermann.
Liermann said the office's boat patrol team has set up a boating safety course. You can register through the DNR's website here.
The course, which is 12 hours total, runs June 10, 14, and 17. The cost is $10.
"We cover the whole gamut of boating-related issues, from registration to the equipment that's needed when you're out on the lakes," Liermann said.
He said the topics include guidelines for distance from the shore while out on the water, intoxicated boating, and the equipment required on board.
Liermann said boaters often need a refresher at the beginning of the summer.
"One of the typical things we see is people forgetting to put their life jackets, or personal floatation devices (PFDs) on their boats," he said. "Or they have expired fire extinguishers on board."
Liermann said the class is mandatory for any boaters born after January 1, 1989. But he recommends all boaters take one.
It's not just offered in Sheboygan. Liermann said the DNR's website allows boaters to search for classes near where they live.
In addition to being educated on the basics of boating safety, Liermann said it's also advisable to do a thorough check of your boat before it goes out onto the water. That's especially important at the beginning of the season.
On Friday morning, Mike Schipper and his friend could be seen doing routine maintenance on their boat at Sheboygan's marina, in anticipation of getting out on the water this weekend.
"I'm hoping to get out there maybe tomorrow or Sunday," Schipper said.
He said he always turns on the boat's engine and runs it at home before the boating season begins.
"If you get out there on the water, you have something happen, you have to call the coast guard to come and get you. That's not fun," Schipper said. "I've had it happen twice."
