DETROIT — The U.S. Coast Guard has opened seasonal air facilities in Muskegon, Michigan, and Waukegan, Illinois, to enhance emergency response coverage across Lake Michigan during the busy summer boating season.
The facilities, operated by U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, provide forward-deployed crews that can respond more quickly to search-and-rescue incidents on the lake.
Lake Michigan spans more than 300 miles and covers over 22,000 square miles of water, making it one of the largest areas of responsibility in the Great Lakes region. Coast Guard officials said the additional facilities help meet the increased demand for emergency response services between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when boating activity is at its highest.
Air Station Detroit responds to nearly 100 search-and-rescue cases each year, with the majority occurring during the summer months. By positioning aircraft and crews in Muskegon and Waukegan, the Coast Guard is able to improve response times for mariners and beachgoers in distress.
The opening of the seasonal facilities marks the start of the Great Lakes summer boating season and provides additional support for recreational boaters throughout Lake Michigan.
For information about boating safety or vessel safety checks, boaters can contact their local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit.
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