Water safety tips from Oakland County Sheriff's Department

(WJBK) - The hot humid weather really makes people want to enjoy the outdoors, maybe take the boat out, or enjoy the beach. But there are dangers, and tragedy can strike anytime. 

"You get out on a lake like we are today and there is a lot of traffic out here today.  hundreds of hundreds of boats out here today."

A hot humid day with the promise of more days like this on the way. The perfect receipt for water fun this fourth. That means marine deputies like Tim Brown will be busy.

"There are over 450 lakes in the county. It's a 36 square mile county so there is a lot to cover," Oakland County Sheriff deputy Tim Brown said.

The Oakland County Sherriff’s office alone is responsible for those waterways, and time and time again they see people mixing alcohol and boating.

"Stats have shown that one beer or one drink has three times the effect on the water.  because of the sun, the heat and the waves on the water,” Brown said.

And that dangerous combination is only magnified if you forget your floatation device. All it takes is one wrong move and you could end up in the water unexpectedly.

"We want people to be safe on the water this summer and being safe on the water means knowing the rules of the road on the water. Know how to operate the water craft, wear a lifejacket, they don't work if you are not wearing them," he said.

It’s not just boats you have to be concerned about. This Saturday in Macomb County two 20 year olds set out for a swim at Stony Creek Metropark. 

They got tangled up in some weeds out in the water, one was rescued by a passing boater, but the other, Rayven Elia of Sterling Heights was caught underwater for up to 15 minutes. Once pulled ashore CPR was attempted but the 20-year old swimmer died at the hospital. 

 A tragic reminder of the dangers a Michigan pastime can pose.