JACKSONPORT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Less than a month after two kayakers lost their lives in Lake Michigan off the shores of Door County, a permanent reminder to be safe has been unveiled.
The U.S. Coast Guard installed a sign listing all the things it wants kayakers and paddle boaters to know before they head on the water.
Andrew Michaels of the Coast Guard’s Sturgeon Bay station tells WLUK…
“I think it’s very important that the public just have more information available to them”
The sign is located at the boat entrance in Cave Point County Park.
The sign is located where 29 year old Mathew Tauferner, of Sturgeon Bay and 21 year old Dylan Dohr, of Clintonville died on April 28th.
Their kayaks capsized about 100 yards off shore. Neither were wearing life jackets, according to Door County Sheriff’s officials.
“It’s in a matter of just short time things turn serious and can turn deadly,” said Tom Ash, the fire chief for the Jacksonport Fire Department.
The kayak deaths were the first in Ash’s eight years as Jacksonport Fire Chief. Ash, along with members of other safety agencies joined the U.S. Coast Guard to unveil the sign.
Michaels says that case was difficult for the community.
“We’re just wanting the community to realize that we’re here for them and we’re going to provide them as much information as necessary”
Ash says you can’t take the conditions for granted
“Especially when you go out in a place like Lake Michigan, the conditions can turn so fast that they really need to be experienced kayakers or be with people who are experienced”
On average, Ash says his department responds to five or six distressed kayakers near Cave Point Park each year.
