Lake Michigan 5.2021 Photo Credit: Nancy J. Addie (c) 2021
Beach Season Is Upon Us
May weather starts to bring the beach bugs out! The true beach season kick-off, however, is Memorial Day Weekend. For those of us blessed to live near the beaches of Lake Michigan’s southern shore, we start judging the day by whether it is a “good beach day.” It doesn’t matter that the water in Lake Michigan is still cold. Even though we know that the Lake is still cold, we will dip our toes into the water – just in case it is warmer than we expect for those early summer days. In truth, it takes until well into July for the water to get warm for comfortable swimming. Prior to that, you just go numb and get blue-lipped, telling everyone that “it’s not so bad once you get it.” It is. We all know it. But, the game remains the same and the chilly water is always more fun with someone else. Children will especially try to lure you into the water, despite shivering with goosebumps as they drip water onto the sand by your towel, telling you with enthusiasm that the water is good. They are definitely, they say, NOT cold. Uh. Yeah. I don’t think so.
The Beauty of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is beautiful in all seasons, but the summer sun shimmering across the water can’t be beat. The blue of the sky merges with the blues and greens of the lake, sometimes it is hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. At sunset the colors can be vibrant pinks and purples, while other days are pastel pinks, blue and buttery yellow. There are days where the water is almost as smooth as glass. Other days there is a gentle breeze that has the waves quietly lapping against the shoreline. Even the days when Lake Michigan is at its most wild, when the waves are crashing and roiling to the shore, it is breathtakingly beautiful.
Hidden Dangers
Under all that beauty, however, there is danger. The danger is hidden both physically, but also from visitors’ thoughts. Since Lake Michigan is, indeed a lake, many who visit the area think of it as harmless. After all, you don’t have to worry about things that can sting or bite you. No sharks or eels. No stingrays or jellyfish. The myth of the harmless lake takes a toll on the unsuspecting. Most locals are taught from an early age to “respect the Lake.” Respecting Lake Michigan isn’t just about clean-up and conservation. It is about respecting the Power of the Lake. The waves that are so alluring to beachgoers can also hide dangerous rip currents and undertows.
Safety at the Lake
From July into August, the sound of a helicopter overhead makes me cringe. You hope and pray that they aren’t heading to the lake front, that it is not another lost swimmer. While most of the casualties are from people visiting the area, Lake Michigan has claimed its share of locals also. My young aunt drowned in Lake Michigan after being caught in the undertow. A boy I went to school with lost one of his brothers who attempted to brave the waters off the pier.
The Park Service and cities put up signs. They have pictures warning of the dangers. Most area beaches also have warning flags flying on dangerous days. But people want to have their fun. And, after all, it is a fresh water lake. What can go wrong. We know that so much can go wrong. Even strong swimmers can wear themselves out trying to fight against the undertow.
What can visitors due to increase their fun, while mitigating the chance for something to go wrong. Respect the Lake. Pay attention to the signs and warnings. Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. How you swim in a pool is very different from the lake with its currents and cross-currents. If you are new to the area and swimming in Lake Michigan, choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty. They are trained to recognize the signs of drowning which are very different in reality from the loud splashing and spluttering portrayed in movies and on TV.
Tips for swimming safely:
- Learn how to swim.
- Swim in supervised areas.
- Use the buddy system. Keep track of each other.
- Know where your spot on the shore is. Be aware if the current has pulled you too far away from your friends, family and the lifeguard station.
- Keep a close watch on children. They can get in trouble faster than you think.
- Floats are not safety devices.
If you get caught in the undertow:
- Try to remain calm.
- Don’t fight the current.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Float or tread water and wave/call for help.
This video shows how quickly a swimmer can get in distress and how silent drowning can be.
Special thanks to Nancy J. Addie at Addie Acres for the beautiful photos of Lake Michigan. You can find her work on Facebook or Instagram. If you watch WGN Channel 9 out of Chicago, you may have seen her work. It is often chosen as one of the visitor pictures for the weather segment.