The U.S. Coast Guard’s Great Lakes District warns that fake distress calls, including hoaxes, are placing real responders at risk and draining resources during the busy summer boating season. Since January 2026, watchstanders have logged 187 false distress calls, with three confirmed hoaxes, and officials say hoaxes may stem from willful deception, misunderstandings, or outdated information. Making a hoax is a federal felony with penalties up to 10 years in prison and civil penalties, and violators can be liable for all response costs, underscoring the seriousness of misleading emergency services. Authorities emphasize that social media can complicate search and rescue by circulating misleading distress content and encourage the public to avoid posting or sharing such material, while real emergencies should be reported via VHF channel 16 or 911. Capt. Mark Kuperman and other Coast Guard officials stress that false reports create a ripple effect across the emergency-response network and reduce readiness for actual emergencies, especially when resources are stretched in summer. The warnings come from multiple outlets reiterating the same data and advice, highlighting a coordinated message to deter hoax calls and protect responders and the public.