Life jackets and extreme caution needed on streams & rivers because of rainstorms and increased currents

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Marine Safety Section is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in recreational activity on any stream or river in Washtenaw County.

The recent heavy rainstorms have elevated water levels in our local rivers/streams and increased the speeds of the currents. Even if the water may seem calm at the surface, the currents under the surface may be overwhelming. The Marine Safety Office has noted that the heavy rainfall in the last 10 days has caused many parts of rivers and streams within Washtenaw County to show a drastic increase in water flow and violent rapids in some areas have been created as a result. The Marine Safety Office suggests anyone engaging in water activities to always wear a life jacket and to let a family or friend know of your intent on or near the water and when you plan to arrive home.

Regardless of how a river or stream may appear at the surface, severe caution should always be taken to avoid injury or death.

In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately to report the incident.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.