Commissioners approve $50,000-per-year boost for marine patrols on busiest Oakland County lakes

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $50,000 per year from the county general fund for each of 2026, 2027 and 2028 to help expand marine safety patrols on the five busiest county lakes.

Commissioner Long, who presented the item, said the patrols target the five busiest lakes and cited an increase in drownings and vehicles entering lakes in recent seasons. "I think we had eight last year, drownings," a commissioner said during discussion, and Long argued the extra patrols are needed in both summer and winter for boating and ice-safety incidents.

Commissioners discussed which lakes are among the busiest (White Lake, Cass Lake, Lake Orion and Lake Oakland/Pontiac Lake were all named during the discussion) and suggested pairing the expanded patrols with stronger water-safety outreach. One commissioner urged a countywide education and marketing effort to reach more residents.

The motion to fund the three-year marine safety patrol expansion was moved and supported and passed by voice vote with seven yeas and zero nays; staff said the appropriation would come from the general fund for the 2026'028 period.

The board directed staff to proceed with the funding and to consider complementary outreach and education efforts; the item will appear on the full board agenda for final approval next week.