Crime & Safety

Poll: Are You Going to Jobbie Nooner?

The annual party on Gull Island in Lake St. Clair takes place Friday. Are you going? Make sure to designate a driver as multiple law enforcement agencies will be on patrol in the lake.

The annual skipday for adults known as Jobbie Nooner takes place on Gull Island Friday - will you be attending?

The Mardi Gras-style event on the island, which started years ago, attracts thousands of boats to the island for an alcohol-infused party with beads, music and flashing of skin by attendees. 

Those heading out to the festivities - where temperatures should be in the upper 70s with a chance of showers around noon - should be mindful of not drinking and boating.

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Members of the sheriff's marine divisions from St. Clair and Macomb counties, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, will be patrolling the waters in northern Lake St. Clair.

"The majority of those attending will be leaving or traveling through Macomb County waters," said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "We are hoping that those that go, have a good time, but act responsibly and plan accordingly." 

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The U.S. Coast Guard will also increase their presence throughout the Great Lakes this weekend in support of Operation Dry Water. Law enforcement agencies across the country are taking to the water to educate boaters and raise awareness that is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

According to the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Statistics 2011 report, the most current validated statistics available, alcohol use was determined to be the leading factor in 16% of the deaths in 2011.

“Although Coast Guard units partner with other law enforcement agencies on a daily basis, Operation Dry Water gives our crews a great opportunity to stress to the boating public the fact that boating and alcohol and drugs don’t mix,” said Cmdr. David Beck, chief of enforcement for the 9thCoast Guard District in a release. “Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion cause fatigue and slow down your reaction time. Combining those factors with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your reaction time and can lead to deadly consequences.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel acknowledged the Jobbie Nooner's wild rep during a . But, Hackel emphasized the event is "well policed" and encouraged the public to utilize the lake--which he hopes will draw new residents and tourists to the area.

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch Editor Christy Arboscello contributed to this report.


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