Is it Safe to Swim in Lake Superior?
At approximately 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and among the world’s largest freshwater resources. Originating with the Whitefish River near Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, Canada and extending through Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Lake Superior offers plenty of aquatic fun for locals and visitors alike. But is it safe to swim in Lake Superior?
The temperature at Lake Superior has long been cited as a key factor in swimming safety. As a cold water lake, its waters may be too cold to bear for many swimmers, measuring between 39.2 and 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season and location. Even experienced swimmers may suffer from hypothermia when exposed to cold waters over time.
Perhaps more importantly, however, swimmers should also be aware of the potential dangers beneath the serene surface. While beach swimming areas are typically monitored to reduce the risk of contamination, the open water is not subject to the same level of observation. The coastal regions of Lake Superior are often contaminated with bacteria and other pollutants, in addition to the potential for other natural hazards such as undertows and riptides.
Environmental agencies such as the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) have for decades monitored the chemical and biological conditions of the lake, and have identified areas in which pollutants such as energetics, hydrocarbons, biological toxins, and heavy metals may be found, particularly in some of the coastal cities such as Duluth, MN and Whitefish Bay, WI. The combination of natural hazards and pollution make swimming in Lake Superior a potentially hazardous endeavor.
In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) both advise against swimming in Lake Superior, and in some cases, advise visitors to avoid any contact with the water due to the risk of contamination.
Overall, if swimming in Lake Superior, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks. Be sure to check local advisories and follow safety guidelines when visiting the beach or swimming in open water. Doing so will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all Lake Superior swimmers.
High Risk Areas in Lake Superior
Swimming in certain areas in the Lake Superior can be particularly risky and even dangerous because of pollution levels, animal waste runoff, contamination, and natural hazards. Areas near the shores of industrial towns like Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee have higher levels of heavy metals and other pollutants. As a result, beach goers and swimmers should be especially mindful of water conditions in these areas and take safety precautions when swimming close to shore.
In particular, areas near the shoreline have higher concentrations of bacteria, human waste, and runoff from boats that can cause skin irritation, infections, and even illness. Swimmers should also be aware of the potential for contaminated runoff from nearby farms, which can contain phosphorus and nitrogen compounds that can cause algal blooms, which can in turn create low-oxygen conditions that are dangerous for swimmers.
Longshore currents are also prevalent along the shoreline, and these can carry ocean debris, industrial waste, and other pollutants deep into areas where swimmers can be exposed. As a result, swimmers should be mindful of any currents and take appropriate safety precautions when swimming in the lake.
In addition, anglers leaving bait and fishing line behind in the lake should always be disposed of properly, as they can be harmful or even fatal to wildlife and other swimmers who come into contact with them.
How to Stay Safe When Swimming in Lake SuperiorWhen deciding to swim in Lake Superior, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Be aware of local advisories, check for signs of water contamination, watch for weather conditions, and be aware of the potential for dangerous area currents. Be sure to bring a life jacket, use a buddy system, avoid swimming in open waters, and always wear protective gear for sun and cold temperatures.
Check the local health department for any recent water quality reports before you swim. Often these surveys will have information on when it is safe to swim and when it is not. It is also important to be aware of local advisories and to research any areas that you plan on swimming in before you go. Weather conditions can also be a factor in swimming safety, especially in colder/colder climates.
Finally, it is important to stay in designated swimming areas and abide by the rules that are posted at the beach. In some locations, swimming may not be allowed at night, and alcohol use can also be prohibited.
Conclusion from Experts
Overall, experts recommend following safety precautions any time that you plan on swimming in Lake Superior. According to The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) “Swimming in any natural water body carries some inherent risks and caution is therefore recommended.”
They further recommend that swimmers should be aware of water quality advisories, follow local and beach-specific rules, and be aware of any land-based pollutants that may be in the water. Additionally, they suggest that swimmers take safety gear such as lifejackets and wear appropriate clothing.
What to Do if You Notice Pollution in the Lake
If you notice any suspicious activity, including pollution, in Lake Superior, it is important to report it to local authorities. Local health departments, the EPA, and the DNR all have resources available for reporting incidents. It is also important to be aware of the rules regarding swimming in a specific location, and to follow any posted warnings or advisories.
One such resource is the U.S. EPA’s “Tips for Beaches” program. This program provides information about swimming safety, water quality, and beach advisories in Lake Superior and other Great Lakes. Swimmers can find out more about swimming safety and water quality on the EPA website or on special state or local websites.
Additionally, swimmers can also contact their local health department or state authorities to report any water pollution they observe, either on the beach or in the open water. This can help local authorities take appropriate action to protect the lake’s water quality and swimming safety.
How to Minimize Pollution in the Lake
Adopting practices that reduce pollution in the lake is one of the best ways to ensure safe swimming for all. Be sure to never throw trash, plastic, or chemicals into the lake, and be mindful of any runoff from land-based activities. Additionally, anglers should be aware of safe and responsible fishing practices, and take steps to ensure that bait and tackle are disposed of properly.
Households should also take steps to conserve water and reduce their water usage to help conserve the lakes resources. Additionally, local cities and towns can work together to limit nonpoint source pollution and keep runoff to a minimum. Finally, checking with local health departments and water quality scientists for updates can help ensure safe swimming for everyone.
Conclusion on Lake Superior
Lake Superior is an incredibly diverse aquatic habitat, with a variety of creatures and ecosystems that make it a unique environment. Its waters are also a popular destination for human activities such as swimming and fishing. However, it is important to remember that Lake Superior can be hazardous for swimmers due to potential pollutants, natural hazards, and cold temperatures. As such, it is important for swimmers to take the necessary safety precautions and be aware of the potential risks before jumping in.
