(COLDWATER) - If you plan on being on the water this summer, the Branch County Sheriff's Office has some information.
Sheriff Fred Blankenship says he wants to remind residents and visitors that electrically powered hydrofoil boards, commonly known as eFoils, are considered vessels and are subject to state boating laws.
Several years ago, the U.S. Coast Guard issued policy guidance classifying mechanically propelled personal hydrofoils (eFoils) as vessels and allowing states to determine how they should be registered. Following discussions with the Michigan Secretary of State and boating safety officials, these devices are registered in Michigan as Personal Watercraft (PWC). As a result, operators must comply with the same laws and safety requirements that apply to other personal watercraft.
Which means eFoils must be properly registered in accordance with Michigan law; Operators are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while operating the device; Operation during low-light conditions or nighttime hours is prohibited, consistent with regulations governing personal watercraft.
Blakenship says their goal is to ensure everyone enjoys Branch County's lakes safely and responsibly. He says as these newer types of watercraft become more popular, it is important that operators understand the laws that apply to them. Wearing a life jacket, registering your eFoil, and following operating restrictions helps protect both the rider and others sharing Branch County waterways.
The Branch County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone purchasing or operating an eFoil to familiarize themselves with applicable boating regulations before heading onto the water.