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Man Dies After Kayaking Race in Benzie County

Over the weekend, a man lost his life in a kayaking race despite rescue efforts made by local fire and police departments, the Department of Natural Resources and the US Coast Guard.

“We immediately sent out two people on staff,” said Michael Cederholm, Frankfort Fire Chief. “They immediately dispatched out and went straight to the shoreline. Where the problem was is, it became an all hands page or all county page, and we could just stay on the shoreline because we don’t have any equipment to go out on Lake Michigan.”

By the time the fire department was on the scene, the Coast Guard already launched their rescue boat

It’s standard procedure that as soon as there is a water incident, it’s all county page and everybody gets out there and coast guard are immediately notified to get them out,” adds Cederholm.

According to the Benzie County Sheriff, the Department of Natural Resources did approve this kayak racing event, but the water was still dangerous.

There is a light system posted by the lake indicating how safe it is.

“The light system was red,” Cederholm said. “There was 4-to-6 foot waves out on Lake Michigan during this timeframe. And it was pretty dangerous out there in the lake.”

Though the water can be dangerous, people still continue to go out, but should take precautions to stay safe and prevent another tragedy.

Cederholm says that individuals going out on the lake should wear

“The proper personal protective equipment, life jackets, wetsuits and buoyancy is going to be critical,” he said.

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