Boaters along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan now have the freedom to activate foghorns whenever they wish, as the result of a new system implemented by the Coast Guard.

Lighthouses in Muskegon, Pentwater and Grand Haven recently joined other Michigan ports in allowing boaters to trip the fog signal via marine radio.

"It was a decision that was made by our district command," said Lt. Kristi Salzmann of the Coast Guard's Lake Michigan sector headquarters in Milwaukee. "If boaters need to find the lighthouse, this will make it easier."