Fireworks water safety plan announced.

Fireworks water safety plan announced.

LUDINGTON — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has announced the water safety plan for Pere Marquette Lake and Lake Michigan during the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival fireworks display. The sheriff’s office has worked in cooperation with U.S. Coast Guard Station Ludington, Ludington Police Department, and Lake Michigan Carferry Service.

The following is a specific list of water safety plans, please note there are three zones:

• Ludington Harbor will be closed at 9 p.m. and will not open again until authority is given by command onshore within the Safety Zone.
• The SS Badger will leave its dock at 9 p.m. and make its way out to Lake Michigan. Zone 3 will be closed as the SS Badger passes and will not open back up until after the fireworks and authorization to do so is given by command within the Safety Zone. As the SS Badger passes the lighthouse, zones 1 and 2 will be closed and will not open back up until authorization to do so is given.
• When fireworks are complete all zones will remain closed until authorization to open from command within Safety Zone is given.
• Once all zones are open vessel operators are asked to go directly to their destination and clear the channel safely. The SS Badger will be waiting in Lake Michigan for authority to head back into their dock. Boaters are reminded that the harbor is a no wake zone.
• When the Badger returns to harbor, boaters are asked to clear the channel and get to their destinations as soon and as safely as possible. Again, no wake within harbor.
• Vessel operators need to make sure all navigation lights and other water safety equipment are working on their vessel prior to departure. Those with improperly working equipment will be asked to leave.
• Anchoring in or near the Safety Zone is not allowed.
• If an emergency occurs on a vessel, call 911 or contact MCSO on marine radio channel 16.