Deaths
Lake Michigan is the largest of the five Great Lakes in the United States and is a popular recreational feature in the region. Despite this, large numbers of fatalities are unfortunately recorded on an annual basis – particularly during the summer months. One problem attributed to these occurrences is that individuals can underestimate the danger and underestimating water depth. Over the past five years in Lake Michigan, it is estimated that an average of approximately 40 individuals succumb to drowning as a result of these and other events each year in 2022.
Preventative Measures
To combat the high numbers of drowning deaths in the lake, many preventative measures have been put in place. For example, the use of lifeguards at the most popular swimming areas around the lake is essential in helping to stop potential accidents or fatalities. There are also natural markers in the lake, like buoy lines, to warn people of potential danger. This can help potential swimmers to assess the safety of a swimming spot before entering. Finally, the installation of warning signs around the lake has been proven to be successful in reducing numbers of deaths.
Emergency Services
The installation of lifesaving equipment and trained personnel around the lake is also a major factor in reducing the number of deaths year-on-year. The United States Coast Guard regularly patrols the lake to monitor the situation and respond to any emergency situations. Additionally, 12 life-saving stations are located around the lake. These are staffed with trained personnel and equipped with state-of-the-art rescue craft and lifesaving equipment. The presence of such emergency services has unquestionably had a significant effect on the overall safety of the lake.
Education
Apart from all the above, the most important preventative measure of all is education. There are a number of campaigns that have been launched to educate the public on the danger of swimming in Lake Michigan and the importance of the taking necessary precautions. By educating people on the best practice for swimming, it is possible of significantly reduce the number of fatalities in the lake.
Risks Factors
When looking at the reported deaths in Lake Michigan, there are certain risk factors that increase one’s chance of drowning. These include alcohol intoxication, lack of swimming ability and the absence of lifeguards or life-saving equipment. It is therefore important to remember that the lake is a potentially dangerous bod of water and the exact risks should be properly assessed before entering.
Research Studies
Various research studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the various preventative measures in reducing the numbers of fatalities. It has been concluded that the presence of lifeguards and warning signs, as well as an increased awareness of the dangers of swimming, have had a significant impact on the overall number of drowning deaths in Lake Michigan.
Drone Technology
In recent years, the use of drone technology has been trialled to assist in the monitoring of the lake. Through the means of deploying aerial drones with advanced cameras, the team at Lake Michigan can assess the situation more effectively and respond more quickly in an emergency situation. This technology has been proven to be cost effective in helping to safeguard the safety of swimmers in the lake.
Water Quality
Another important factor in helping to ensure the safety of lake Michigan is the quality of the water. It is well known that water quality often decreases in heavily populated lakes and rivers as sewage, agricultural and industrial effluent are discharged into the body of water. In an effort to minimise this, regular monitoring and testing of the water levels is undertaken. This helps to ensure that the water is safe for swimming and recreational activities.
Additional Safety Measures
The installation of additional safety measures, such as safety floats and lifebuoys, is a further deterrent to the potential risk of drowning. These devices can allow individuals time to fight against the current, tire or stay afloat while they wait for a potential rescue. Additionally, when it comes to swimming, wearing a life jacket or other buoyancy device is also highly recommended to reduce the risk of drowning.
Wearing Flotation Devices
Finally, it is recommended that individuals wear flotation devices, such as lifejackets, when engaging in any activity near the lake. In addition to those who solely involve in recreational activities, commercial vessels travelling within the lake should also ensure the wear of the appropriate flotation device. This presents an additional layer of safety, as the flotation device can help prevent an individual from going under in the event of an accident or sudden change of weather conditions.
