Multiple Jet Ski Capsizes Trigger Rescues in Lake Michigan, River Mersey, Washington

Several recent incidents highlight the dangers of personal watercraft use and the importance of safety precautions. On British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, the RCMP is investigating a video showing a person riding a personal watercraft dangerously close under the stern of a moving ferry, an action that violates federal marine safety regulations and risks serious harm. On Lake Michigan, a father and his teenage sons were rescued by skilled boaters after their jet ski flipped over near a high-traffic harbor entrance, emphasizing the value of wearing life vests and preparedness. Similarly, crew members of the Washington State Ferries' Walla Walla ferry performed a rescue of two people whose canoe swamped near Blake Island, providing lifesaving treatment until medical staff arrived. In the River Mersey, a search and rescue operation was launched after a jet ski was mistakenly reported capsized with people in the water, underscoring the need for swift emergency responses even in uncertain situations. These events collectively stress the critical need for watercraft users to follow safety rules, maintain safe distances, and be ready for emergencies on the water.