Seven lakes in Oakland County will see increased patrols from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s (OCSO) marine unit throughout the summer. The effort follows a resolution that was unanimously adopted by the Board on June 23, which appropriated $50,000 for a pilot program. Commissioner Eileen T. Kowall (R-White Lake Twp.), who lives in White Lake, supported the resolution.

“The lakes we have in Oakland County are one of our most valued resources, and it’s great that water enthusiasts from around the region visit our community to enjoy them, too,” Kowall said. “Because of increased traffic during the summer months, I’m happy to have supported the Sheriff’s Office through this pilot program.”

The funding is supporting increased OCSO marine patrols on:

• Cass Lake
• Oakland Lake
• Woodhull Lake
• Orion Lake
• White Lake
• Walled Lake
• Orchard Lake

Because of it numerous in-land lakes, thousands of boaters and water enthusiasts from across the tricounty region visit the county’s waterways annually. Additional marine patrols will be placed based on the number of calls for services, incidents reported, and level of boater activity during the last three years. The Marine Unit responds to complaints, boating accidents, search and rescue, drownings, and water-related accidents on Oakland County lakes.

The Marine Unit is responsible for covering nearly 70-square miles of water around the county, including 450 navigable lakes, five major rivers and 3,000 miles of shoreline.

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248- 858-0100.