PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities are reminding people about the importance of wearing life jackets after two teens were rescued from Lake Michigan Sunday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said two siblings — a 17-year-old woman and 18-year-old man from Illinois — were on Lake Michigan near the Port Sheldon pier heads when their kayaks started taking on water.
Both kayaks ended up sinking, leaving the two swimming in the water without life jackets. Deputies said they had life jackets on the kayaks, but they were not wearing them at the time.
When deputies found the siblings, the two were struggling in the water. Deputies threw them a floatation device and were able to pull the two to the patrol boat.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is reminding everyone to use personal floatation devices when on any body of water.
“Water safety is something everyone can practice and is an easy way to save lives and prevent tragedies,” Sgt. Eric Westveer said in a news release.