In case any person is drowned in waters within the corporate limits of any city, it shall be the duty of the chief of police of said city, and in case any person is drowned in waters outside the corporate limits of a city, it shall be the duty of the sheriff of the county within which such waters are situated, to use every available means in the recovery of any such body. The several chiefs of police of cities and sheriffs of this state are hereby authorized to incur such expenses as shall be necessary in obtaining equipment and in doing the necessary acts in carrying out their duties under the provisions of this act.
MCL 51.301