Lake Michigan: The Deadliest Great Lake

Nearly half of the people who drown in the Great Lakes every year drown in Lake Michigan, and 2020 is already the deadliest year for drownings in Lake Michigan in at least 10 years. Family members of drowning victims share their stories in hopes of preventing other from experiencing the same tragedy.

[@videomaniac108]

I was born in Chicago and used to go to the beaches all the time during the summer. One time when I was at a beach north of Foster Avenue in 1961 or 1962 I was swimming in water over my head and away from the crowd when I encountered what I later learned was an undertow. I was only about 10 years old but I was a strong swimmer but I exhausted myself trying to fight to get to the surface. When I realized that my struggles were in vain and that nobody had heard me I got calm and accepted the fact that I was going to open my mouth, inhale water and die. The thing that was the saddest for me was that I would never get to see my mom and the other children again. Just in time a pair of strong arms pulled me out of the water and brought me to the sand. I wish I could thank that lifeguard today.

[@robertsherry7029]

This is a complete fabrication. There is no such thing as an "undertow". As a surfer that has been in very large surf I call BS.

[@videomaniac108]

@@robertsherry7029 As a surfer, you should know that it isn't just the size of the wave breaking overhead that poses possible problems for swimmers. I have swum in some pretty rough surf conditions in not just Lake Michigan but also on the southeast coast of Florida when I lived in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and I never had an experience with something that just mysteriously seemed to keep pulling me under, despite my best efforts to stay afloat. I'm sure that when you surf you are in deeper water, where you are farther above the ocean floor where there may be swift currents of water returning the water that is washing ashore. I was in water that was only slightly above my head and I was not really that far out. It may be that the lake floor contour may influence the tendency for these swift water channels to develop, I'm no marine engineer but neither are you surfer dude. So before you shoot your rude and ignorant mouth off in public, I suggest that you muster up a few of those water-soaked brain cells that you obviously haven't been using in quite a while and put them to work. You can also apologize to the families of the 60+ people who have drowned in Lake Michigan over the last year or two; I'm sure they'll appreciate you calling out this tragic phenomenon as "bs".

[@localman12]

@@robertsherry7029 Swimming in Lake Erie when its wavy definitely has a undertow, sometimes stronger than others, but you can feel the current at the bottom pulling you down and out. I swam in the lake my whole life and even now as a grown man I can feel the undertow. Its more dangerous for small light weight children.

[@robertsherry7029]

@@localman12 That's backwash not undertow. It pulls you out into the rip current. It does not pull you under. You may feel its pulling you under if you get dragged out to the breaking waves and they start breaking on top of your head.

[@localman12]

@@robertsherry7029 BACKWASH?...Get real! it's an undertow, call it what you want Mr. Expert.

[@tammypeters2816]

This is so true! My husband drowned in Lake Michigan, in New Buffalo, a mile from shore, swimming from our boat over to a friend's boat just maybe 30' away. The undertow pulled him under and when his friend realized what was happening it was too late. That lake didn't give him up for 7 days. Funny thing was, my husband always said, when he died he wanted his ashes sprinkled in Lake MI. I said the lake had him long enough. His urn has a beautiful water scene with seagulls and a lighthouse.

[@topten7526]

Awww I’m so sorry to hear that, hopefully life is better now!

[@joinjen3854]

Condolences to you. Blessings.

[@mresstell]

My heart goes out to you. It's painfully hard when someone you loved had gone forever never coming back.

[@markmadison4281]

Some of thee most treacherous waters there. I used to swim nearby in Long Beach, IN.

[@videomaniac108]

My condolences to you for your loss.

[@sophiedash4026]

Wow. My nephew, Brandon Chambers, drowned due to a riptide in Lake Michigan 2 weeks before this video was posted. He was 18 years old, had just graduated from high school, and was celebrating Labor Day weekend at the beach with his friends... We miss you Brandon. 💔

[@sophiedash4026]

@Cindy L Thank you.

[@lamontwhite7752]

Sorry for your loss

[@itsjavacat]

My condolences. 🙏 God bless.

[@Sunshinesniles]

So sorry to hear that I hope these videos will hopefully help save a life I hope that might bring you some comfort knowing his drowning may save someone’s life . I hope it helps anyhow

[@oldjarhead386]

I was a U.S. Marine that was Water Survival Qualified. Surviving in rough fresh water is many more times more difficult than salt water. In salt water you can literally do nothing but lean back and relax and you can float all day. It’s much more difficult in fresh water because the water provides much less buoyancy. In rough fresh water it maybe impossible unless you are young, well trained and in great condition.

[@randpherigo9724]

And the water is usually very cold.. which wears you down fast

[@Halkem]

Fresh-water is tough, i can't imagine how crazy it must be to swim on lakes with waves this big. Whenever i got exhausted on the sea i would just float and slowly go back to shore, i imagine that it isn't that easy on lakes.

[@reddiver7293]

Very good information. And thank you for serving our country, Marine

[@nancylepri7081]

As a kid it was always fun but dangerous to see how far out you could go...glad I never went too far out.

[@vkstar.]

Yeah same. Every year I go on vacation to a cabin my family owns right by Lake Michigan. I would always try to go way out into the lake but never could because I would be yelled at or I would have gone back because it was freezing out there.

[@villehussosno.1fan]

I Went In September, I Almost Drowned And I Was So Scared!

[@bailey7792]

My uncle used to take us fishing pretty far out when I was maybe 10 or 11. And when we got bored we would just jump out of the boat and swim back to shore to go back to the campsite. Back then I never used to think twice about it. But now.. as an adult, im terrified that something could've just grabbed my leg and yanked me tf down 😭, or what if a current swept me away. Looking back it makes me panic lmao. Just remembering how straight up black, cold, and deep the water was. But back then, it was a perfectly normal thing for me and my cousins to do, and it didn't scare me at all. Now im just grateful that I'm still alive 🤣.

[@sallymay3643]

GOD bless U🌈🌞 Teach yr children young family members & their friends not 2 go 2 far. Lake Michigan is a beautiful natural wonder her living waters r a gift of life 4 all who drink from her. But she will show no mercy 2 those who don't understand or respect the way she moves. 🌊 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@cocoaorange1]

I just walk in the lake, I am not a great swimmer. I plan to stick to swimming pools, only the shallow side.

[@rebeccalynn3092]

After losing my father to this lake in a rip tide, I want to thank you for warning other people. I agree. We need more lifeguards. Thank you for telling us how to float our way out of these currents.

[@crocodile1313]

I'm sorry for the loss of your father Rebecca.

[@tranquility9325]

Rip currents are extremely dangerous...I'm sorry for your loss.

[@kpg4121]

Why would a life guard risk there own life for a petty 10$ an hour?

[@robertknowles2699]

@@kpg4121 One fun show is Bondi beach, Australia, Sydney. On KZbin they review rescues and detail equipment lifeguard use. Being carried out by undertow is alarming at first, yet relax. Always inquire about specific beach before swimming any day from fellow swimmers. Life preserver allows practicing swim strokes like American crawl, breast & side stroke. Personally, I’m 69 years young and only swim any distance with life preserver on if in water over waist deep.

[@sarahhall9457]

God bless you..

[@rebeccalynn3092]

I hope we incorporate this video to local schools, so we can teach our kids how to be safer.

[@urbancamperphoto]

That's a GREAT idea. Everyone knows the drop and roll and in the midwest kids are taught what to do during a tornado. But none of them are taught water safety on the lakes.

[@wictimovgovonca320]

This video is a start, but a lot more needs to be done.

[@lucyterrier7905]

Right. Incorporate this in schools when they don't even teach cursive any more.

[@robertnorman1643]

Yes! Any communities with 25 miles of the lake!

[@amandabaker3880]

There should be a class called Pure Michigan. I agree, this info is needed education!

[@gulpyboi5785]

i was 6 and i nearly drowned right off of silver beach, this grown man realizing i was drowning ran into the water and saved me and i wonder about him to this day

[@allencollins6031]

Angel

[@eajaros]

Just south of silver beach my cousin and I were saved by a grown man as kids on a raft that got swept towards rocks and we would have been splattered on them.

[@davidwalczak1297]

Buy chance was this around 15-20 years ago, and was the guy playing around with a volleyball with buddy's before the situation happened? I have saved several kids out there years ago, an now I'm a search and recovery diver in North West indiana. You got lucky, I see a lot who don't make it. Usually when the water temp drops.

[@stellarspacetraveler]

I nearly drowned in the swimming pool at St Joseph High School--during mandatory swimming class that was supposed to teach you how to swim so that you don't drown at Silver Beach! How ironic. Very scary.

[@NTBS]

god

[@reesebrindle1809]

Respect the Lake. I live on this lake and have my whole life. If I can say anything about it....respect it. Pay attention to warnings and listen to a weather radio. Stay out when the flags are flying that say to. Most people here drown because they ignore the posted warnings.

[@judyscheiber3661]

Exactly! Some of these idiots have caused these events. Reckless.

[@sallymay3643]

Lake Michigan is a beautiful natural wonder that gives the gift of life 2 all who drink from her living waters. But she shows no mercy 2 those that don't understand or respect how she moves. Those people need 2 stay close 2 shore where the lady of the lake smiles on them enjoying her gifts. Lake Michigan & the other great lakes r connected on the move & alive just ask any native American they know the truth about the great lakes living waters they have their own personality a heart a soul & a mind of their own.🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@mrmcdabberdoober9750]

Most people are tourist and don't understand the dangers , Michigan needs to educate people not throw a tiny flag up .

[@joharilarosa6230]

Exactly I live right across the street. I don't play at all.

[@csnide6702]

exactly !

[@justusfive650]

When she said they slept on the beach that night so he wouldn't be by himself! That broke my heart!😣

[@keithnorris8982]

Yes, I had the same feeling. It's hard to imagine loosing a loved one under any circumstances... especially when it's before their time.😞

[@charlesippel3662]

Thank you and thank you to the families that participated in this film. My heart breaks for you.

[@crocodile1313]

Yes, God bless them all.

[@JackBQuick79]

I learned how to swim in lake Michigan. Every weekend, my family camped on the lake shore. As a child you cant possibly understand the risks. As an adult i am on edge when my children are thoughtlessly and fearlessly playing in lake Michigan.

[@ghoststarstalk]

The BIg Michigan is an icy cold lake w/lots of shoreline being rocky bottom.

[@goldenarrow3]

@@ghoststarstalk Ir kills me to see parents letting their little kids swim on a red flag day in Lake Michigan & some parents are barely watching them

[@bostonsucks310]

With any body of water I’m on edge with my kids it can be a big puddle I don’t know how deep the thing may be lol

[@jeremiahbrown2339]

What?? I didnt know you could learn to swim in a lake that sounds scary and risky.

[@mickeyj71hp]

I live in Manistique, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. Less than two blocks from where I live, is the Manistique boardwalk. Despite tons of warning signs, as well as locals like myself, informing tourists how dangerous swimming is by our lighthouse pier, people STILL swim there all of the time. We have had numerous drownings there. No locals ever swim there. I just wish the tourists would listen.

[@odochartaighofodonegal9815]

Local knowledge- can save lives, or put more fish in the cooler. As a Great lakes angler from Ontario, I always make a point of chatting up the locals about the area- particularly boating hazards. And like yourself, they are always obliging. Don't let up, you just might have saved someone already.

[@sarahs7253]

I love locals

[@kevinmach730]

Additionally, growing up living on Lake Erie, we had boating / swimming safety classes - where a few days a year, you were taken out of your normal classes to attended these. So your point about locals having more knowledge makes sense in this regard too- a tourist coming from an area without water around probably isn't going to have that same knowledge.

[@paytonjay287]

Living near Lake michigan almost my whole life, ive always been taught that if you get pulled out by the undertow to just let it take you. Don't use all of your energy trying to get out of something that is impossible even for the best swimmer. Lake michigan is absolutely BEAUTIFUL but extremely deadly.

[@SP-up2xb]

we were taught to swim paralelle to the shore and not to try and swim straight in.

[@runawayfortoday1542]

You were taught right. I grew up along and still live on the shores of Lake Michigan and as kids if you heard there was a small craft advisory, that's when we'd get on our bikes and head to the beach for a swim as the waves were so big (parents would kill us if they knew). Anyhow, we all knew if you were caught in a riptide just let it do what it was going to do and then head back to shore.

[@s4dg]

Remember that one of the biggest reasons half of Great Lakes drowning is from Lake Michigan, is cause nearly half of all Great Lake tourism is to Lake Michigan.

[@djgenius626]

I am from New York, I use to get deployed to a base in Wisconsin for training, thought that lake was the ocean,,, water was rough!!

[@jeffzuiderveen7266]

Grand Haven, August 5,2018....I was caught in a rip current 200' south of the pier. I was lucky, I spent 8 days in the ICU . I was one of 3 that were rescued and brought to the ER, I was the only one who survived. Several people were responsible for saving me. So "tall-thin guy" and " mountain man"....if you are out there, thank you.

[@kel_creator]

Glad you survived. ❤

[@tiddiesprinkles]

I've lived a mile from Pere Marquette Beachfor 20 years and every time I hear sirens going to there my heart breaks...

[@johnstudd4245]

I was at Pere Marquette beach about 12-15 years ago and watched them pull a young man out of the water, give him cpr, and then take him away. He had already been in the water several hours at that point, and later I saw on the news it was a 16 or 17 year old if I remember correctly. When I arrived at the beach there were emergency vehicles there already and marine patrol boats going back and forth outside the swimming area. Then a couple of hours later there was a big commotion by the pier where people saw a body that had washed ashore in the big waves. The first responders rushed over there and gave him cpr, but he had been long dead already having disappeared several hours ago.

[@marcusthomas69]

I brought my wife and son to Pere Marquette from Denver…I warned them over and over about rip currents…wife didn’t listen and went too far out…she got caught in one…I grabbed my son and nephew and out them on the sand…turned around to go look for her and she popped up…I’ll never forget the look on her face…lucky

[@tiddiesprinkles]

@@marcusthomas69 glad they made it. Thamks for commenting, today we had 30mph winds and I wanted to swim in the waves. Its way too cold but I needed this video reminder to stay humble and respect Lake Michigan.

[@robertkanoza7986]

Iam born and raised in Grand Haven, in my 54 years living here, I have saved 5 people in these Waters, I know how they work, I know the conditions,, dangerous times are after 3pm when the surf builds it's power..

[@rjyeezy76]

Too many people dont understand. Lake Michigan runs north to south, and prevailing westerly winds during the summer produce lots of rip currents on the Michigan shoreline, along with an abundance of sandbars to facilitate their formation. It also has warmer water temps during the summer, bringing more people into the water, especially around popular vacation spots. Water is usually low 70's F at the south end by mid-July.

[@donjohnston4215]

Yes great point. Lived less than a mile from Lake Michigan for 56 years. I was taught to always respect the lake and pay attention to your surroundings and the weather. You can learn to recognize where the rip currents are if you watch the water. And so many people are lost from jumping off the piers or break walls and trying to swim. A lot of lives could be saved if people just using common sense.

[@sarahs7253]

So when is the best time to swim in lake Michigan and when is safest? Is it safe just to not go more than knee length deep?

[@donjohnston4215]

@@sarahs7253 when ever the lake is calm, I’d say waves less than 10” it’s the safest time. And of course, the warmer the water the longer you can be in it without becoming exhausted or hypothermic.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

@@donjohnston4215 Rip currents on 90% of the lake are manageable for any moderate to strong swimmer. It is where rivers and streams dump into the lake where those currents really can pose a threat. I'm on the Wisconsin side and one of two things are usually present in our local drownings. 1) Wavy/windy conditions that have stirred up the lake to be difficult to swim against. If you're fighting waves, you're not moving in the direction you want to go as fast. 2) Poor swimmers who just get pushed out enough for long enough for them to start struggling. Hypothermia risk obviously exists as well. Cause of death in those instances will still be drowning if help is not reached.

[@salvitoripopadillo4539]

I'm very sorry for the families who have lost loved ones to these inland seas. As a rare midwest surfer, I know first hand how dangerous these lakes can be. I spent a decade surfing in the Oceans and then moved back home to MN to be with family. I only then discovered surf on the great lakes. It's amazingly different to the Ocean. Wave periods are very short. Currents are crazy strong(like the Oceans) and you're less buoyant because there is no salt. Also, on my lake (Superior) it's colder than most places people surf And the waves can get up to 25 feet!

[@salvitoripopadillo4539]

@@jasondial9274 All over but mostly along the north shore starting in Duluth. I've also spent some time on the south east coast near Marquette Michigan when the winds come out of the NW. N/NE for Duluth.

[@Halkem]

I'm so curious about lake surfing, it's not really possible here in Brazil, looks very tough though, can't imagine getting wiped out by a fresh water bomb

[@salvitoripopadillo4539]

@@Halkem Obrigado! I wish to go to Brazil one day!

[@Halkem]

@@salvitoripopadillo4539 Oh a lot of nice breaks here, I think you would like! On my province here in the southmost it's more seldom, but sometimes it's pumping aswell. 🤙🏻

[@GetNumbbb]

Thank you for spreading more awareness on the dangers of swimming in Lake Michigan, we have an undoubtedly huge lack of prevention to unknowing visitors, and without lifeguards it leaves only the local fire departments and their water rescue training to be dispatched via boat ramp. Just recently my township had to fight to keep it’s only boat ramp for miles, the funding is a huge issue, but so is awareness in general. The amount of tourism is overpowering in the summer and on the parks as well as staffing at the parks. It’s an underfunded death trap to those who don’t know how to survive a rip current or know what an undertow is. I’ve lived here all my 21 years of life and when I hear dispatch tone out my township it’s by far the fastest they move all year, knowing how crucial time is to the survival of whoever is stuck way out there. My school district even had mandatory swim lessons in our highschools pool so we could understand how to handle not exhausting ourselves in water, how to preserve our body temperature and float the right way with life jackets. It’s a privilege around here to even have a community swimming pool let alone that kind of prevention be taught. Yet we still lose locals and visitors every year at a heartbreaking rate, we could be doing so much more to prevent these deaths with lifeguards, more boat ramps for faster response time, and more education on rip currents and other dangers to everyone who enters a park or has access to the lake. Yet we still have the bare minimum. Basically the only warning they’ll get is a colored flag on a pole and the rest is up to chance that they’ll read a sign and if something happens that another civilian will notice a struggle in the water or hear a scream for help and call 911 or if they’re lucky and at a non busy park (which is nearly unheard of during the summer unless it’s a private beach) the staff will just somehow notice. Even with bodies washing up on the shores occasionally, some even all the way from chicago who’ve been missing, we still don’t have the safety in place that the public deserves along with our first responders who are at the very forefront of not having what they need to save the people that need them, not having it to begin with, and having it taken away due to a cruel budget. My heart goes out to every person and family who’s ever been affected by this pain and feel like they’re unheard. We hear you and we’re fighting along side you to get what safety all communities deserve. 💔

[@jeffburnham6611]

Not surprising that Lake Michigan has more drownings ever year than the other lakes. Given that its shorelines run parallel to each other, this cause some unique wave features you dont find on the other lakes.

[@cinna-manspice4449]

I’m glad a survivor was willing to talk about his NDE on the Great Lakes. People, particularly tourists don’t actually realize how dangerous the Great Lakes actually are. They are called lakes, but they have the strength of a sea.

[@henryeberhardt3012]

To all the families who lost a loved one in the Great Lakes I'm so sorry for your loss !

[@Sunshinesniles]

Yes I feel the same

[@TheCadman069]

When i was about 10, my parents let me swim in lake MI alone somewhere along US-2. While out in the water, i kept getting pulled further and further away from shore. I was a really strong swimmer... however i kept getting pulled out. I tried waving to my parents that i was in trouble, but they just waved back, thinking i was waving "hi" to them. LUCKILY, my Dad had taught me that if this happens, swim parallel to the shore a ways, then try swimming into shore again. And, i'm here telling this scary story, so luckily i didn't panic and i made it back in. Thank you for giving people this warning.

[@tubethis777]

It is critical to warn people about the main reason why it's easier to drown on lakes than oceans. The reason why it's easier to swim in sea water is because of its density. Sea water is denser than the fresh water because of the salt content, temperature and other stuff. That's the reason why people find it harder to stay afloat in a swim.

[@randpherigo9724]

Fresh water is more dense than salt water.. You got them confused.

[@tubethis777]

@@randpherigo9724 you really need to go to school

[@randpherigo9724]

I looked it up and they claim salt water is heavier.. but from my experience salt water is way easier to swim in.. and seems less dense

[@tubethis777]

@@randpherigo9724 Dude, yes, its easier because its more dense (heavier because of salt, sand and minerals) thus gives you more buoyancy. Make up your mind lol. Lookup up dead sea swimming.

[@randpherigo9724]

90% drown in fresh water.. and you can't tell me there's not more people that swim in the oceans beaches

[@Bear_Arms]

I got stuck in a rip current during a spring break trip to Cancun back in college. I had no idea what was going on, I thought I was going to drown. A lifeguard saved my life by yelling out that I should swim with the current. I safely got on land just by following the current. Lifeguards are very necessary because a lot of people don't know what they're doing in the water.

[@fishincentralmichigan8364]

hey fellow michigander here and yes this lake is dangerous my brother lost a friend to the undertow at the frankfort pier when we were kids it was terrible it affected him in a unspoken way i just want to send my condolences to all who lost someone to the lake you and yours will be in my thoughts for awhile

[@AstoriaHeard]

Frankfort pier has claimed many lives, tragically. It should have lifeguards in the busy season.

[@SisterImawhosoever]

For those wondering why Lake Michigan is the deadliest, it’s because of the warm waters welcoming all along the extensive shoreline of Michigan’s lower peninsula. No one wants to swim in a cold lake like Superior (hypothermia). Also, the common west wind pushes the warmer waters to the Michigan shoreline and are amazing especially in the hottest times of summer (July and August). So very sorry for those who have lost loved ones to her (and to all the lakes). I have also experienced her under tow and it is terrifying. The Great Lakes demand respect. The summer waves lull you into a false sense of security. When the witch begins stirring her cauldron in October and November and the gales come, you see her power with new eyes. No way would you get me out there then.

[@ro6742]

Speaking as one that grew up on the shore of this lake, population density around it plays a part as well. I have felt the tug of what we called “The Undertow” growing up. If you’re not aware of it, it’s easy to become a victim.

[@kevinmach730]

You didn't really complete the thought, but you're correct- a lot more people swim in Lake Michigan so you're going to have more incidents.

[@mookzmom]

In the early 1960s, I had just moved from Muskegon to Grand Rapids with my family. I was 9. My best friend, Robin Moore had a swimming birthday party that summer at Norton Shores. Along with her were our old next-door neighbor, Karen Gay, and a girl we went to school with, Pam Rupnow. All girls between 9 and 11, and all lost that day in a rip tide. I didn't go, because my mom thought it was too far to travel. I can still remember getting this deviating news. I haven't lived in that area for many years, but still think of it as home.

[@Kimrbr549]

How horrible! So sorry for the loss of your friends. 😢

[@robertknowles2699]

@Z Malek How far out do these devastating rip tides extend to on average day when young folks venture out, in feet approximately? Was it simple under tow near bottom caused by normal waves breaking then curling underneath near our legs? Parents present and ready for rescue?

[@sarahhall9457]

Oh Wow.. How sad.. You lost all your friends..😥 God bless you..

[@user-oq7uu1jr4r]

@@robertknowles2699 The rip current can take you out from 900 feet to 1640 feet, more or less, depending on the conditions. Deferent beaches as different beach currents. Hanakapi'ai beach for instance have a rip current that can take you in several miles and you won't be able to return unless you are marathon swimmer.

[@cessealbeach]

My Best friend drowned here at Pere Marquette Beach in 2004, he was 18, we swam that labor day weekend , there were warning signs all over But we ignored because were were tourists from California and surfers, from the shore we both swam about 200 yards, when i dint see him i panicked , i thought he swam back to the shore, There were lots of wonderful folks looking for my friend , Found his body next day . I miss my buddy very much.

[@csnide6702]

PM beach in Muskegon...?

[@horsepanther]

How terrible, I'm so sorry that happened.

[@themonarcher314]

I grew up on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan in Holland, Grand Haven, and Ludington. Used to jump waves on red flag days with my parents, jump off the Holland pier as a high schooler and swim to shore, etc. I was a very strong swimmer, but when the Lake decides she wants you, that doesn't matter much. I'm thankful as an adult to have lived through my bad decisions as a teenager, not really understanding what I was messing with when I tempted the worst case scenario in those deceptively charming, sparkling blue waters.

[@torri6883]

THANK YOU FOR KNOWING WE NEED LIFEGUARDS.

[@crocodile1313]

They are invaluable. Ronald Reagan was a lifeguard when he was young and reportedly saved 78 people from drowning. He later said it was the best job he'd ever had.

[@TheBeingReal]

No. Need smarter people.

[@howardcitizen2471]

@@crocodile1313 The problem is in today's litigious society, had he failed so save that 79th person there would have been a massive lawsuit.

[@crocodile1313]

@@howardcitizen2471 It's sad, but you are very correct.

[@csnide6702]

the city of Ludington is too cheap, corrupt and DUMB to figure that out.

[@jjones1341]

As a kid in Chicago, in a world before central air conditioning, we'd walked to the beach and be there all day to cool off in the water. Because I couldn't swim (and still can't) I never went in farther than my waist - just enough to get wet, cool off and head back to the sand. But, we knew about undertows back then and I had more fear than my friends had that knew how to swim - so I spent only short spurts of time in the shallows. The lake is beautiful - but that beauty disguises it's danger. I lost several friends to that lake. I've never been back. To me it's a beautifully disguised graveyard.

[@mmcc5070]

This is why you swim with friends. You are responsible for your own safety. Education is necessary but up to you.

[@robertknowles2699]

In Camp Pinnacle, Wolf Lake North Carolina, tag board assigned ‘buddy system’ . Each person is responsible for watching swimmer with him or her.

[@GoGreen1977]

I grew up 30 miles east of Grand Haven along Lake Michigan. I spent many, many summer days swimming and playing in its waters. I learned early on to just let the current take me where it wants and wait for it to let me go, then swim back to shore, usually yards away from where I started. I didn't argue with the lake. I never really thought about the dangers too much. Milliions of people swim in the lake every summer and live to talk about it. But maybe I was just lucky. I jumped over and through a lot of waves, but never stayed in the lake when a storm was brewing or when there was a red flag flying.

[@robertknowles2699]

Good advice, GoGreen1977; May I ask how many feet out is undertow compared to rip current? Swimming parallel to shore when given a chance by the under tow? Rip current drives perpendicular to shore most times?

[@Travelsandmore333]

I live in the suburbs of Chicago and I love spending time at the lake during these hot summer days. I usually stay close to the shore due the the force of the lake and how cold it is. Michigan has some of the best beaches in the Midwest and it’s truly a beautiful landscape. Stay safe everyone.

[@MetalDetroit]

Being from Detroit, I’ve been to Northern Michigan many many times. Lake Superior is absolutely terrifying. I camped in Canada in October along the eastern shoreline once. A blizzard and probably 25 foot waves came in during the evening. My tent was shredded. It had been 75 and sunny during the day. I’m old enough to have seen the Edmond Fitzgerald My grandfather worked at Great Lakes Steel. He used to take us to a park along the Detroit River for lunch and watch the freighters go by.

[@Seabasstien]

Very informative, Lake Michigan is scary beautiful. Stay safe Great Lakers!!

[@eddiew2325]

I didn’t know you’re a lakers fan

[@DR-kl3mn]

Sad video, but it's great that the family is trying to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to someone else by educating people.

[@Mark-us777]

I like the warning message this video puts out to people that might enter this great lake, please use the spirit of this message and look into any information available on the risks of whatever natural or man made setting you might want to visit for any knowledge you can gain to minimize the risks of being in that environment. Having seen this lake from the shore near where I was working once years ago, if you expect the environment of a normal lake vs the ocean despite it being fresh water you are putting yourself at great risk. Rest in peace to all of the people that have lost their lives.

[@kel_creator]

In August 2011, while on a road trip with my cousin, we made a sudden detour and stopped at Lake Michigan in LaPorte Indiana. I was playing in the water close to the shore and jumping up and down with each wave that came in when suddenly I was pulled under and found myself way out from shore. I knew nothing about rip tides or even what was happening. A voice of calmness came over me and told me to swim on an angle and keep calm. I'm not a great swimmer but fortunately there was a lighthouse I recognized and just kept swimming towards it. After swimming for what seemed like an hour, I started to succumb to exhaustion. I saw the newspaper headline with my death. I saw my cousin in distress waiting for me and finding out that I died. My life flashed before me and I started to make peace with not making it out of the lake. Just as I was about to give up and let myself sink, I felt my feet touch the lake floor. Sadly, a little boy who had been playing in the water next to me had drowned in that rip current. It wasn't until years later that I discovered that Lake Michigan was responsible for so many drownings. My condolences to anyone who has lost family or friends in this lake. That experience remains with me to this day.

[@crocodile1313]

I'm a huge believer in personal responsibility, but having lifeguards at public beaches is just common sense. I've never been a LG, but was blessed to have been at the right place, at the right time, to help save 3 different people from drowning. Unfortunately a lifeguard was present in only one of the incidents. It was in Daytona Beach, FL and I gave the drowning man the boogie board I was using to help him float. What was amazing to me though, was how fast the lifeguard got out to us! I didn't even have to signal him, he saw what was happening (we were about 300 feet offshore), jumped from his elevated position and was with us before I could even begin towing the struggling man back to the beach!

[@lucyterrier7905]

My husband at the age of 6 drowned at Stoney Creek. His older 5 sisters were playing with him very roughly & dunking him in the water. He was given CPR by a lifeguard. He saw a bright, beautiful light & was traveling a million miles an hour toward that light but it had not felt that fast. He felt warm & wrapped in so much love , he cannot quite explain it today. Suddenly, he started to go backward & he thought, no!. I want to go to the light! Suddenly, he was cold & miserable & water and foam was coming out of his nose & moutn as the lifeguard was slapping his back too hard. He felt so disappointed he came back. 1965.

[@kayla7562]

Thank you for sharing something so special. Means a lot to me reading that. ❤️

[@666BurnThemPrisons]

Yes! that light and love was from Satan blessed be his name.

[@MussoliniLondon]

Wtf

[@agirlisnoone5953]

You had me sooooo confused until the end

[@csnide6702]

wow ! i live 35 miles from there... !

[@serpent6710]

My friend younger brother was lost to lake mich off dunes state park. Undertow. They did not find Casey till the following spring up near traverse city. Very long way but at least she gave him up so his family had closure. He was a good kid.

[@serpent6710]

Different Casey. This happened late 70s. Brothers name is Johnny.

[@thomastaylor1217]

Sorry for the losses and thank you for the knowledge!

[@beescottwilliams1518]

When you lose a loved one, nothing left to say.......

[@stupadasol5911]

Yes, there is more you can do! Wear a PFD when kayaking.

[@busterbeagle2167]

I worked with Andy Fox just before that Rest In Peace Andy.

[@leslieludwick1321]

I spent nearly every weekend in Saint Joe Michigan at Silver Beach I am very familiar with the area and trust me when I say the water is more powerful than you could ever imagine. Hypnotizing beautiful, deadly at the same time.

[@LComeno]

I grew up in La Porte, Indiana. If we went up and across the state lines, it was to hit the party store. Back then in the mid 70's it was legal to drink alcohol at 18 in Michigan, but had already changed to 21 in Indiana. LOL. I lived on a lake, so didn't need to make that 15 to 20 minute drive to swim. :)

[@RickeyHaynes]

I almost died with my sister in New Buffalo Michigan. My sister told me I'm going to give up and drown all the sudden we were sucked to the shoreline it seemed so fast and we were walking on the beach crying our eyes out nobody understood why. That experience is why I believe in God I was in 7th grade I have never been more scared in my entire life.

[@tiffanyjoiner170]

Almost drowned in Lake Michigan in Milwaukee/Bayview trying to save some children that was drowning..Rip current took us under..Agood Samaritan jumped in and rescued us..Im forever thankful ❤❤

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

I was born and raised in southwest Michigan period twice in my life. I was taken out by rip currents and wondered if I would survive. I pray going forward people will take the red flags serious and please don’t swim when it’s that dangerous. Rest in peace to those who are lost.

[@scottlaux6934]

So many people have posted about the loved ones who died due to the rip tides on lake Michigan. I grew up in Michigan and thou a strong swimmer have felt those rip tides. Fortunately as a kid I was taught never to fight the current. Still, I have great respect for the power of these lakes.

[@johnsparks007]

That's all you need is respect and a little bit of wisdom😮 you don't need to be afraid or scared of every single thing in your life😢 it's beautiful

[@allygaffney962]

Living on lake Michigan, for many years and still can't swim.... But I also have no desire to swim in the water. Would rather fish. With life vest. Arm floaties. Etc. And there is life guards in the Michigan beach areas of lake Michigan. High school students always do it around here.

[@urbancamperphoto]

Sadly, there are tons of beaches that do not have lifeguards. There are even a few beaches that had lifeguards but recently got rid of them.

[@richhomiejaden5140]

We’ve always needed life guards I don’t understand why there never was

[@ghoststarstalk]

No lifeguards? There's Wisconsin bureaucracy. Saves them money.

[@crocodile1313]

@@ghoststarstalk Michigan too.

[@TheBeingReal]

Cost. Finding lifeguards to do the job is very hard. The lake picks off the stupid.

[@goldenarrow3]

@@TheBeingReal And the careless

[@howardcitizen2471]

Lawsuits. As mentioned in the video, Michigan got rid of lifeguards in part because of liability concerns.

[@johncline5502]

Grew up on far south side and use to fish out on the lake a lot. It can go from calm to something you would only expect from an ocean in minutes.

[@ronditchen6664]

1998 I come close to drowning in In Lake Michigan Swam in that Lake hunderd times that day I guess I got careless almost didn't get out I was lucky next time I went in I went in with a lot of respect for the great Lake I definitely feel for the family members that lost loved ones in the Lake.

[@nativeamericanfeather9948]

I take my kids to Lake Michigan in South Haven,MI every yr. It's SO scary that I don't take my eyes off of them! I stand on the peir to watch them &other kids to make sure they are safe. Lifeguards are a must

[@whats_herName]

Upon entering the beach area there needs to be an interactive display (screen or audio) just like the amusement parks where the kids and their parents can listen to a demonstration of what to do when caught in a riptide and what a riptide is just like a kid hears warnings over and over while standing in line for a ride.. The Great Lakes are not just Lakes. They have the power of an ocean although lacking in tides they have undercurrents which can sweep a grown experienced swimmer under water longer than one can hold their breath. If you can't pay lifeguards Michigan, you can put a learning experience up for swimmers and their families for a buddy system and awareness. A picture of Lake Michigan with arrows will not grab their attention when the excitement of a big lake is in front of them. Please make it interactive.

[@alexapuerta]

Right. They're inland seas not lakes. With their own weather systems and unique current patterns.

[@nachoskater44]

as a local, some of this is bullshit. plenty of michigan beaches have lifeguards. not all do, but i know multiple in my area that definitely do. second, if you swim out on a red or even yellow flag day, you are either ignorant or suicidal. there are signs posted EVERYWHERE. every year we get tourists who do not respect warnings and think the lake is like a giant pond. and every year there are multiple stories, always tourists, who do it to themselves. one key point i'd like to drive home here is that a lifeguard can do nothing on a red flag day that a sign cannot. nobody, not even lifeguards, can swim in that water. it's true that more beaches should budget for lifeguards, but the onus is not on them or the state. respect the water.

[@crocodile1313]

You make some good points, but I wouldn't blame so much on tourists. Every drowning victim on this video was a local and had been in the lake many times before.

[@cowboystormchaser]

Just like Yellowstone. There's warning signs out the wazoo but every year someone still ignores them and gets injured or worse.

[@judyscheiber3661]

Yep, most are acting reckless and when this happens, we're all supposed to be sorry. Nope.

[@lakes26mi]

Really Interesting video, education is a great starting point

[@OCDonut6139]

Lake Michigan has a triangle of oddities, like Bermuda.

[@dougyoung3896]

If you put the amount of swimmers that swim in lake Michigan and put them in Superior the numbers would be astronomical! Thats why Superior is on the bottom of the list its a cold lake with not many swimmers but we at least have lifeguards now ! I have been a boater on lake superior and Michigan for 40 years you have to have respect for these lakes

[@ClintonSnow]

Excellent Documentary.

[@edwardgieselman4137]

Thank you for making this video. Alarmed at how many families go in the lake on red flag days. I dont know if lifeguards are the answer. Public knowledge like this is key. Thank you.

[@danah1778]

Lake Superior would be the title holder but nobody is dumb enough to swim in it 😂

[@knyghtryder3599]

Lake Michigan is the only great lake with constant circulation, not exactly tides , but a constant clockwise swirl , that adds to chop, undertow, lone waves etc.

[@zazzyboy8592]

People surf there I heard

[@jadeddragon4254]

Title holder ? Have your head examined immediately

[@BIoxer]

I used to go there a lot when I was little, never knew how dangerous it could be

[@Zinervawyrm]

When I was about 15, I went to the Dunes with one of my friends and her family. All they wanted to do was tan, and I got bored with them and went swimming. I ended up far out enough where my feet could no longer reach the sand without being completely submerged, and felt the water was pulling me further. I literally swam parallel from where I first started until I felt the water wasn't pulling me, and then swam back. I realized I was in the rip current, didn't realize that I did the smart thing until I came home and told my Dad about it. Anyways, by the time I got back to shore, I was like way down on the beach and found $15 floating in the water. When I walked back to where my friend and her family was, it was probably a good 30 minutes later, in total from swimming back and a few minutes walking, and they were all having a heart attack that I vanished. I was so freaking chilled about it though. My friend was like, "Where the F! Have you been!?" Me: "Got caught in the tide. Had to work my way back to shore. I found $15, wanna get some ice-cream?" My friend's face was like: (T__T) Brah!

[@PeytonFuger]

Yeahhhhhhhhh

[@patricedhanis3546]

Lake Michigan is the best swimming lake hence the most groundings. It's pure sand bottom is great. Lake Huron is rocky. Lake Superior is ice water.

[@beegee5981]

Half of my lake, Lake Erie, is a toxic pit for half the year 😂 I live on the “safe” side near presque isle state park in Pennsylvania but I’m still hesitant to get in the water though sometimes lmao

[@beegee5981]

Still beautiful beaches though!

[@pfcampos7041]

I don't want to sound insensitive, but Lake Michigan seems far less dangerous than the East/West Coast beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. Here in the Gulf we average about 54 drowning per year. I grew up on the Gulf. We were taught from a young age about rip tides and what to do when you encounter them. It seems to me the problem is lack of education rather than the Lake itself. The bottom line, any large body of water is dangerous and should be treated as such. Pay attention to signs and flags!

[@dmalka336]

Not sure which is more dangerous but Michigan is freezing - there would only be people swimming there a couple of months a year, not swimming all year long.

[@hkends8983]

The Great Lakes average over 100 drownings per year. And like the comment above said, those are all within one season

[@sterlingskins2204]

People only swim in at like 3 months out of the year! Do your math!

[@samanthamorris8368]

So sad for the families and lost souls..

[@reddiver7293]

As a former lifeguard, I think teaching all kids to swim should be a required part of all of our public school curriculum. My condolences to those who lost loved ones.

[@truthreignsforever9286]

Don’t understand why Lifeguards don’t have jet skis at Lake Michigan?

[@Tejah]

Looks pretty crowded.

[@johnstudd4245]

Very few of the beaches even have life guards anymore. Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, some of the biggest and busiest beaches on Lake Mich, no lifeguards. I Think expenses and liability concerns are factors. It is much cheaper an easier just to say "swim at your own risk"

[@truthreignsforever9286]

@@johnstudd4245 when is the reasonable “go fund me” applied to righteous causes rather than to bamboozling imbeciles? Life so filled with ironies

[@_lucifersdownfall]

My Aunt always comes to Lake Michigan when she visits me and my family... She always wants us to come along with her so we can hang out there with my cousins and stuff... My mother always says it's too dangerous... I can see why...

[@TheBeingReal]

Lose a few near every weekend somewhere on the Mich side of the lake during the summer. Bad choices. People out playing in the big waves.

[@thomast8553]

The man at 3:20 explains a question I have had for a long time. We don’t hear of this many drownings on the Jersey shore with much bigger waves from the Atlantic. The same point with shipwrecks. It’s the waves coming in succession which we do not have in the ocean.

[@eriklakeland3857]

And saltwater is denser than freshwater so it is easier to stay afloat in.

[@miguelsalami]

I learned how to swim in lake Michigan near the Indiana Dunes. Our family spent every summer weekend on this lake boating & can attest to this lake's conditions changing very quickly. An under tow can become a frightening & deadly thing if you get caught in one & do not know what to do to get out of it.

[@horsepanther]

I was born and raised in Michigan and spent summer vacations Up North--but until recently, I had no idea there could even be rip currents in a lake, and also no idea that many people drown each year in the Great Lakes. Swimming and water safety should be taught universally in schools as part of health class or PE class, especially in the states with Great Lakes coastline.

[@user-sy1ux6vk7b]

I lost a teen male, that I knew when he was a toddler of my Campus Ministry family. He was fishing with his Dad, and the family friend who was a top Physician. He was wearing waders, when a riptide pulled him down, the waders filled up. His last words were, "Dad! help me!" We were all devastated.

[@jeffpassage7295]

Omg that’s so sad. Sorry for the family

[@KMT65]

"Deadly" because some people do not use common sense.

[@ghoststarstalk]

True, but common sense can often be sabotaged.

[@jaybanks2709]

Because common sense is not common

[@wictimovgovonca320]

Common nonsense is the problem, people need to be educated on real water safety. You can't fight a current, but you can use one to your advantage.

[@mrychards6682]

Education rather than "common sense" seems to apply. No one is born knowing what a rip current is.

[@nikanconqueror7]

“Common sense” as there is young KIDS drowning lol they are still developing and are learning new things, I’m 22 I’ve never heard of a rip current it would help to have signs, pictures and warnings by the beaches and lakes explaining safety and what to do and to wear a life jacket and have lifeguards. Its better to teach people especially the YOUTH instead of just letting people learn the hard way by jumping in the water out of excitement then the next thing ya know not being able to get back to shore... That way of learning is to harsh and takes lives while on other hand we can take precaution and teach... It wouldn’t hurt to put the number of people that have died or drowned in the lake on a sign that way people see it and even though it seems scary it may be the same reason that would make them more precautious with there actions around the great lakes. Stranger unexplainable things happen around all these lakes a little safety & precaution at least on swimming snd swimming areas can save many lives of innocent people!

[@MPMcDonald]

I've always lived within a few miles of Lake Michigan but have only been swimming in it a few times. Only once did I take my children, and it was in a more protected bay. I was even nervous watching my 5 yo grandson playing in ankle deep water when the waves were pretty big. (His mom was there and a good swimmer, but still.) I'm a good swimmer, but I'll stick to small shallow lakes or pools.

[@marcopolo2418]

I love lakes, I am so lucky to have grown up in The Great Lake states.

[@betsyross1621]

I remember a boy who drowned in Leland. Very sad but there was a warning that day about rough waters. He was swimming with his parents.

[@blackmoom]

Way, way too many lost people this year, including several very young people. A cautionary video that somehow you wish people could see all over the areas around the lake.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

There was a young boy who recently drowned off the pier in Frankfort the waves knocked them off the pier 3 went in only 2 kids came out.

[@blackmoom]

Yes, they were in a big family group visiting from Tennessee. Very sad.

[@terrimichaels3018]

Eliza died on my birthday January 1 2020. Prayers for her father Scott.

[@AwesomeBeatles]

I was raised on the beaches of Lake Michigan , Long Beach , Michigan City , Indiana. Every summer people do drown. I noticed most all the victims are not locals. They do not understand the ways of that lake.

[@jacquettediggs4633]

I’m from Michigan City as well and you’re absolutely correct, it’s rare a local drowns in the lake mainly tourists. Also, tourists ignore the red flags and all the warnings.

[@michaelvrbanac6923]

I grew up swimming in Lake Michigan as well as other lakes and ponds. I recall body surfing waves and having a ton of fun. When there was a storm, we didn't swim. Too rough. I have also lived in Hawaii and did lots of ocean swimming. The waves were large at times and could really hurt you if you were not careful. However, the buoyancy of the salt water was definitely a help in swimming and staying afloat. Still, tourists at Lake Michigan and in Hawaii would go out without a clue as to the danger, all the while ignoring signs and lifeguard warnings.

[@kimlersue]

We spent summers living on a beach with an undertow. When I was maybe 5 I drifted in that directions. ( I thought under "toe" meant some big toe down there.) I'm not sure what happened, but I found myself rolling over and over under the water. I was ready to breath in water, when my Dad pulled my out.

[@allencollins6031]

Wow

[@leadpilled5567]

Lived on Lake Michigan for my whole life. We always looked forward to big waves to swim. Been caught in rip currents several times but we just didn’t fight it then swim parallel to the waves.

[@jaientenduunevoix726]

Almost every beach I've been to in California had lifeguards, I don't see why we can't have them here

[@danbasta3677]

I'm kinda close to a certain extent to Lake Erie, as I'm from Beaver County Western Pennsylvania, and it's always advisable to not mess around with these bodies of fresh water out there as in only either a second, or a minutes period of time they are peaceful and serine to violent and vicious. And, I'm a avid ore carrier enthusiast who loves the stories and morn the sad stories of how the ore carrier the Edmund Fitzgerald had went down in Lake Superior in November of 1975. And, trivial note here, the Big Fitz's sister ship, the Arther B. Homer was on Lake Erie when she recieved word from Northwestern Mutuial, the outfit that owned her and the Big Fitz that the Arther B. Homer should sail to its final destination, a scrapyard.

[@bustersmith5569]

I wonder where they scraped her at ? 🤔

[@jessicajohnson6310]

I’m from Minnesota and I go to Lake Superior every year the only reason there is not that many drownings is the water is too cold and the drop offs right by the beaches and also not the much big cities are by Lake Superior

[@michaelyork7844]

Very good video I wasn't aware of this but I'm not in Michigan

[@DeltaLou]

I remember swimming at the oak streets docks in Chicago on thunderstorm days. How stupid that was now that I think back! But it was the time of my life.

[@OriginalFallofMind]

I too was also a number as a kid. Around 8/9 years old went out a little too far and before I realized I could nolonger make out people on the beach. As hard as I tried it pulled me out until I could not even see people. I remembered my grandmother telling me to do the backfloat. That's how my great grandfather made it back to shore when is ship sunk in the ww1. I went way down the beach apparently until the current allowed me to make forward progress to the shore. Probably walked a half mile up the beach to find my mom again.

[@l_andon.41]

I almost drowned there at the Grand Haven pier in 2010. I went there with some friends, we seen some locals jumping from the pier so I was like “Hell yeah!” and jumped right in, not knowing that these kids do this everyday and are really good swimmers. Well I wasn’t in the water maybe two minutes before all my energy was gone and I was being pulled under. I had to pull some guy off the latter because he was just holding on to it and not moving. Walking off the pier I noticed a Memorial that said “This is dedicated to the ones that have lost their lives and the ones that have lost their lives trying to save them” I remember thinking “man, I wish I would of seen this when I was walking on. Definitely one of the scariest moments of my life. 🥺

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

It’s like a friggin sea, I almost got swept off the lakefront path in Chicago when the waves were particularly gnarly one afternoon

[@mamabear71234]

My heart hurts for those who have lost their loved ones due to drowning.

[@smokedes2]

When I got caught in a rip tide in OCMD, a lifeguard saved my life. I'm a strong swimmer but I didn't even know about rip tides and I just got pulled further and further from the coast. I hope ❌ichigan brings back lifeguards

[@howardcitizen2471]

I also got caught in a rip current in OCMD. Fortunately, I had learned to swim parallel to shore until out of the current.

[@smokedes2]

@@howardcitizen2471 I learned that after the fact. It was a scary experience

[@citizenshane8932]

I was stuck out in the middle of Lake Michigan for an hour and I was getting delirious by the second I had hypothermia. I know Louis spoke to mother nature I always have since I was a little kid yeah we did stupid things but we always looked out for each other and if one of us is in danger we made sure we help each other safe we even turned it put two picnic benches on top of each other to go across entire bay to go rescue our friend save him and then we had to paddle in thank goodness the tide earlier the wind was it was heading to the shore so we didn’t have to do nothing but sit there and wait two hours to be brought to shore