The Great Lakes really are inland seas and should be recognized as such by everyone.
But more specifically those who enjoy recreating in the water.
As of July 1, there had already been 36 drownings in the Great Lakes — nearly half of them (16) on Lake Michigan, lying right outside our door.
The most recent was June 29 off of Sleeping Bear Point in Lake Michigan. A downstate couple was kayaking 1/4 mile off Sleeping Bear Point when they were overcome by waves.
Neither was wearing a life preserver. The female was rescued by bystanders who heard her calls for help. She was taken to the hospital and treated for hypothermia.
The water temperature at the time was 62 degrees. Her partner’s body was recovered Tuesday in 109 feet of water.
Generations of Michiganders and visitors have been drawn to the Little Finger, which is surrounded on three sides by water. The crisp, clean water offers respite in the form of a cooling breeze and refreshingly cold water.
But as much as we love the lake, it commands respect. Lake Michigan is often the Great Lake with the most drownings, accounting for almost 70% of total incidents over some study periods. Some safety concerns in Lake Michigan include large waves, rip currents, and structural currents, which can be dangerous for even experienced swimmers.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.
Eight people were recently killed in rip currents off the coast of Florida and more drowned off Long Island, New York.
Rip currents also occur on the Great Lakes. The good news is that there is an arsenal of tools available to stay safe on the water.
If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it! Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.
But even before getting in the water or on a personal watercraft, make sure you have a life preserver on.
According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, since 2012, there have been more than 1,250 drownings and fewer than 20 had been wearing a life preserver.
Sheriff Mike Borkovich was on the scene of the recovery effort and comforted the victim’s mother. He’s gone on record saying those who are on the water will be ticketed for failure to wear a personal flotation device — no warnings.
Stay smart. Stay safe on the water.
