Nearly 1 million people living along the shores of the Great Lakes were under beach hazard statements on Wednesday, as National Weather Service (NWS) offices warned of dangerous swimming conditions, powerful currents and high waves across lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Officials urged residents and visitors to stay out of the water at beaches stretching from western Michigan to New York, warning that strong currents and rough surf could quickly turn deadly even for experienced swimmers. At least 65 people have drowned in the Great Lakes this year, according to statistics from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, with 35 occurring in Lake Michigan.
There have been 1,480 Great Lakes drownings since 2010, underscoring the importance of water safety when recreating in or near the lakes. On Wednesday, the most widespread warnings were issued along Lake Michigan, where the NWS in Grand Rapids said dangerous swimming conditions were expected in Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, accounting for roughly 145 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The agency warned of high wave action, strong currents and waves capable of sweeping people off piers, with the beach hazards statement remaining in effect through 8 p.m.
Residents were told to remain out of the water and avoid piers because of hazardous conditions. Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Grand Rapids by phone for comment. On Lake Superior, forecasters issued a beach hazards statement for Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The NWS office in Marquette warned that high wave action and strong rip currents would create life-threatening swimming conditions from Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Officials noted that similar conditions have been associated with past rescues and fatalities at the Au Train River mouth, exposed portions of Grand Marais Harbor and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Another warning was posted for Eastern Mackinac County along Lake Huron.
The NWS in Gaylord said waves of 3 to 5 feet and dangerous rip currents were expected throughout the day. Forecasters cautioned that the surf could sweep people off piers and jetties and advised beachgoers to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Meanwhile, along Lake Erie, the NWS in Buffalo issued beach hazard statements for southern Erie County.
"Strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions expected," NWS Buffalo said in the alert, which will remain active through Thursday morning. Farther north, NWS Buffalo also issued a beach hazards statement for Jefferson County on Lake Ontario. Strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected through Thursday afternoon.
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