How to Go Tubing Legally in Michigan

Girls enjoying a little tubing action

Tubing is a great pastime in Michigan, whether you're just floating down a river or being pulled by a motorized vehicle on one of the Great Lakes. There are, however, certain things that you need to do if you want to go tubing in Michigan legally. Here's a checklist that will help you plan a tubing trip in Michigan that will conform to all the local laws and help you avoid any unpleasant interaction with the police.

Things You'll Need

• Inner tube

Instructions

1. Find a public access spot. Don't try to access a lake or a river from private land. This is illegal and will often result in nasty confrontations with the owners of the property and even in arrest for trespassing.

2. Avoid intoxication. Operating a water vehicle of any kind while intoxicated, including an inner tube, is illegal under Michigan law. So if you want to have a few beers, feel free. But remember, if your blood alcohol level is too high, you can be subject to ticketing and even to arrest, just as if you were piloting a boat while drunk.

3. Bring life preservers for open water. If the authorities see anyone tubing on open, deep water, such as a lake, without any legal flotation device, they can levy a ticket against that individual.

4. Resist the temptation to lash tubes together. Tying tubers together can be dangerous to others and is against the law in many localities in Michigan. If you're not sure, it's better not to do it. Also, tying large numbers of tubes together (more than about 5 to 10) is dangerous in any conditions and isn't advisable whether it's legal or not.

5. Use only approved areas. Many lakes and rivers in Michigan are considered, by local law, off-limits for certain types of usage. Consult local authorities before beginning a trip to make sure that tubers are welcomed in the area.

Tips & Warnings

• The safest way to make sure that you have a pleasant, law-abiding trip is to schedule a tubing trip through a local business. These businesses have all the experience necessary to plan the perfect tubing trip for you and are familiar with all Michigan laws and customs.

• Remember, the laws revolving around tubing in Michigan exist for the benefit of the tubers. You should follow them not only to avoid legal trouble but also because they're good safety rules.