More than 200,000 beachgoers and swimmers along the coast of Lake Ontario in New York were told to stay out of the water on Monday morning amid dangerous lake conditions.
Why It Matters
The Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario near Buffalo, are premier recreation destinations in the United States, especially during summer months when swimmers frequent local beaches, despite the region’s historically cold water temperatures early in the season.
The urgency of the warning follows a reported 42 drownings so far this year across the Great Lakes, underscoring the persistent risks associated with swimming in these waters when weather makes for dangerous conditions. Although most fatalities have occurred at Lake Michigan, life-threatening incidents are possible at all of the Great Lakes, and local officials emphasize prevention and public awareness as critical during peak beach season
What to Know
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning early Monday for residents and visitors in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties in the Buffalo, New York, forecast region, cautioning them to stay out of Lake Ontario waters due to strong currents and hazardous swimming conditions. The advisory remained in effect until 11 a.m. local time on Monday.
The Beach Hazards Statement specifically warned of “strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions” that could threaten beachgoers in affected counties. The NWS advised people to stay out of the water to avoid potentially life-threatening situations…