Rescue crews in northern Door County could breathe a sigh of relief after an empty vessel ended up being just that on Monday. The Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Door County Emergency Services, the United States Coast Guard, and the Door County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of an overturned kayak just after 12:30 p.m. just north of downtown Sister Bay. It was determined that the kayak was not being used, but rather became loose from a nearby dock and was pushed around by the area’s big waves and high winds. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht says what could have been a horrible incident became a teaching moment for people as boating season approaches.

Hecht also recommends small watercraft owners to take advantage of the free vessel identification program from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The stickers (pictured) allow you to write your name and two phone numbers to contact for when your vessel is found.