(COLDWATER) - The Branch County Sheriff's Office is reminding boaters to be careful about the wake they create after recent heavy rain pushed water levels higher on county lakes.
The sheriff's office says boaters should be mindful of how their wake can affect shoreline property, docks and other vessels.
During periods of high water, even normal boat wakes can cause significant shoreline erosion and property damage.
The sheriff's office is asking boaters to slow down, minimize their wake and operate responsibly around people who live along the lakes.
Under Michigan law, the owner of a vessel can be personally responsible for damage to life or property caused by a wake or swell if the damage results from negligent operation and the vessel was being operated with the owner's consent.
The sheriff's office says slowing down and being courteous helps protect Branch County lakes, shoreline property and the community.