UNDATED (WKZO AM/FM) — Families heading to the beach this weekend should remember to keep track of all of their floaties and other water toys.
The message comes from the U.S. Coast Guard after a large inflatable duck toy was found in southern Lake Michigan near the Michigan-Indiana boarder earlier this week, prompting a search of the lake.
The Coast Guard posted a photo of the yellow duck on their Facebook page reminding families that they always conduct searches if they discover any unmanned watercraft vehicles, including floating toys.
They say families should notify them if any flotation device drifts away, or better yet, label the watercraft with contact information just in case.
Their Facebook message stated:
“Did you know the Coast Guard launches searches for unmanned adrift vessels? This includes floaties! We never assume that an unmanned watercraft is out there alone. This duck diverted a response boatcrew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to conduct searches in Grand Beach, Indiana, yesterday. Our promise to the public is to always search if there is even a chance someone is missing. You can help by labeling your watercraft and notifying us if it gets away from you.”
