More than 600,000 people are being told to stay out of Lake Michigan for three days this week as dangerous currents create hazardous situations for swimmers.
Why It Matters
Lake Michigan is a major summertime recreation destination across the Midwest, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This week, the popular lake is facing dangerous swimming conditions through Saturday morning, prompting National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists to urge swimmers to stay out of the water until conditions improve.
According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, there have been 66 drowning incidents reported on the Great Lakes this year, including 32 deaths at Lake Michigan, which is known as the deadliest Great Lake. Beach hazards statements alert the public to dangerous water conditions that could become life-threatening in some instances.
What to Know
On Tuesday afternoon, the NWS office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, issued a beach hazards statement for more than 100 miles of lakeshore along Michigan’s western coast, advising people to stay out of the water and off of piers.
The warning is in place for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, home to more than 600,000 people. Popular tourist destinations and summer vacation spots within the warning area include Ludington, Pentwater, Muskegon, and South Haven…