Coast Guard warns of ‘dangerous’ false distress calls in the Great Lakes

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Great Lakes District reports over 150 false distress calls since October 1, with social media contributing to misleading emergency responses. False calls, including hoaxes and accidental transmissions, drain resources and risk readiness for real emergencies. Boaters are urged to use VHF-FM channel 16 or 911 for legitimate distress.