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Oscoda County approves pilot life-jacket station at Smith Lake to boost water-safety access
Summary
The board approved a motion to install a life-jacket safety station at Smith Lake, with the county providing off-season storage and plans to coordinate with townships, the Coast Guard, DNR and neighboring counties to expand stations along the AuSable River.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners voted on March 11 to proceed with a pilot Life Jacket Safety Initiative at Smith Lake and to provide storage for the devices during off-peak seasons.
Ms. Christina Tappan presented the initiative, saying organizers plan to place a life-jacket station at Smith Lake and eventually expand to multiple access points along the AuSable River. She said the initiative would involve coordination with township governments, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and neighboring counties; Roscommon County has already given approvals for similar stations.
Commissioner Jackie Bondar moved and Commissioner Ted Handrich seconded a motion to move forward with the Smith Lake station and have the county provide storage during the off season. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
According to the presentation, there is extra funding available for life-saving rings and organizers expect meetings with townships and state agencies to finalize siting and maintenance logistics. The motion does not appropriate a specific county dollar amount; implementation will require interagency coordination and site planning.
The board did not set a construction or installation date at the meeting. Staff and organizers said further conversations with townships and state partners are planned to firm up approvals and logistics.
