Lake St. Clair Drowning| Michigan Boater Safety

Daniel Buckfire

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I just read about a drowning accident on Lake St. Clair that has resulted in the death of Paul Berkholz of Warren. Mr. Berkholz and his brother were boating on Lake St. Clair Tuesday evening. The two decided to go swimming in the lake and were swept away by the current. The brother was found floating the lake. He was four miles offshore and had been floating for about a half hour. The Coast Guard used night-vision goggles to find Paul Berkholz. Unfortunately, he was already dead by the time he was rescued.

This is a terrible accident and I am very sorry that it occurred. My sympathies are with the Berkholz family at this time.

This serves as a reminder that boater safety is very important. As summer winds down and Michiganders try to squeeze in their last few days on their boats for the year, it is important to remember to always use life jackets and personal flotation devices when on the water. Michiganders should also remember to teach boater safety to teenagers and other inexperienced boaters. Boater safety resources are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.