SAULT STE. MARIE — Due to heavy rains and storms near the coastal Lake Superior region, the U.S. Coast Guard is urging boaters in the Keweenaw Waterway and Portage Lake region to avoid recreating on the water due to significant debris in the waterway caused by recent rainstorms.

Additionally, paddle-sport enthusiasts and boaters are reminded to safeguard any loose gear. By securing these items, it prevents the rain from washing it into the open water and reduces false alerts, Coast Guard officials said.

Paddlers should mark their gear with their name and phone number so that rescuers can more quickly notify the owners of the adrift gear and verify that there is no distress.