When enjoying the outdoors, it is important to remember safety regulations and recommendations to ensure the well-being of yourself and those around you.
No matter if you’re in the water or on dry land, please review and keep the following suggestions top of mind.
Trail safety
- Avoid using trails that are muddy, so you don't leave uneven bicycle ruts, deep footprints or hoof tracks. If you must traverse a muddy trail, go right through the center of the trail (even if it is muddy), rather than traveling around the mud and widening the trail.
- Stay on the trail, and respect trail conditions and trail closures.
- Say hello to other trail users and communicate. Trails are a great place to meet new people!
- Leave no trace - pack it in; pack it out. If you see litter, please pick it up.
- If you love Michigan's trails, get involved and join your local trail organization!
- If you encounter a muddy trail, travel through the center of the trail so inadvertent trail widening doesn't occur.
- Communicate with other trail users about the safest way to pass on the trail.
- Keep at least a horse length back from other trail users.
- Clean up after your horse in staging areas and campgrounds.
- Although avoiding muddy trails altogether is best, if you do come across wet trail conditions, dismount and tiptoe down the center, not to the sides because it widens the trail.
- Before passing, alert other trail users of your intentions.
- Maintain a safe speed, especially near other trail users.
- Cyclists are expected to yield to all other trail users.
- Cyclists moving quickly and quietly can scare horses. Speak and communicate when encountering a horseback rider on the trail. The horseback rider will tell you the safest way to pass.
- If you must traverse a muddy section of trail, go right through the center of the trail, rather than traveling around the mud and widening the trail.
- Keep pets on a 6-foot leash and keep them close.
- When hiking in a group, please walk single-file and be aware of other passing trail users.
- If you're about to pass another trail user, a simple "hello" is often the best way to announce your presence.
- Don't block the trail and stay alert to other trail users, especially cyclists.
- Yield to horseback riders, and be sure to speak to the rider and ask the best way to pass their horse.
- At the trailhead, check to see whether the trail is one-way or two-way.
- If snowshoeing on a groomed trail, be sure to travel on the side – not on the track, as that ruins the trail for skiers.
On the water safety
- Accidents happen, be prepared. Life jackets float, you don't. Drowning was reported as the cause of death in 75% of all fatalities. 86% of people who drowned in a recreational boating accident were not wearing a life jacket.
- Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16%* of deaths. Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.
- Make sure the boat is properly equipped and equipment is in good working condition. In addition to legally required equipment such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, always carry a first-aid kit, nautical charts and an anchor.
- Make sure navigation lights work properly. Ensure the cabin of your vessel has appropriate ventilation to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning
- Inform someone who is not boating with you about the details of your trip, including:
- Where you will be boating and the route you plan to travel.
- How long you will be gone.
- When you plan to return.
- Schedule check-in times.
- Phone numbers for the local emergency dispatch center and U.S. Coast Guard in case you don't return on time.
- Watch for other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water. This is especially true when operating in crowded waterways, at night and when visibility is restricted.
- Be aware of commercial fishing nets and buoys. Orange flagging may indicate a net is located in the water. Nets can also break away and float at the surface of the water, causing entanglements with boats.
- Be prepared to call for help if:
- You are involved in or witness an accident.
- Your boat or the boat of another becomes disabled.
- You need medical assistance.