HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker tells WHTC some boaters are getting some good news during this pandemic.
Physical outdoor activity such as kayaking, canoeing, and sailing remains permissible, he said in an email to the station, noting the use of a motorboat, jet ski or similar watercraft is not allowed during the stay at home order which is set to end at 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2020.
Michigan DNR officials say they’ve received many reports about the heavy use of boat launches across the state and the subsequent gathering of people at these launches is violation of social distancing requirements, which threatens public health.
People using motorized watercraft typically need secondary services for their crafts, such as parts and gasoline, state officials say — and that could unnecessarily increase contact with others, again raising the risk of spreading the virus.
Limiting the use of motorized watercraft, according to DNR officials, will in turn reduce the movement of people within the state and contact among people, slowing the spread of COVID-19.
