logo

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

The Deadliest Great Lake for Drownings

Drowning man at Lake Michigan

or fill out the Contact Form

Lake Michigan is the deadliest of all the Great Lakes, accounting for four times as many drowning deaths as the other four Great Lakes combined.

Drowning man at Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Drowning Deaths

Drowning deaths at Lake Michigan far exceed deaths at all of the other Great Lakes combined. Lake Michigan’s shape and formation mean weather and wave conditions can quickly create hazardous currents that can overtake even the best swimmers. Since 2010, Lake Michigan has had at least four times the amount of drowning deaths as Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior put together. At least 15 Lake Michigan drowning deaths have occurred in the Greater Chicago area.

According to data from the National Weather Service, Lake Michigan had 253 water rescues of swimmers caught in currents and 83 current-related drowning deaths between 2002 and 2015. During the same time span, the four other Great Lakes combined had 68 swimmer water rescues and 69 drowning deaths. In 2016, Lake Michigan had 20 drowning deaths, compared to 5 at Lake Erie, 2 at Lake Huron, 8 at Lake Ontario, and 3 at Lake Superior.

In August 2018, the National Weather Service issued a warning for life-threatening conditions at Lake Michigan due to 7-foot waves and powerful rip currents. People were warned to stay out of the water and exercise caution near the shoreline. The hazardous conditions warning was issued following the drowning deaths of three young boys who were pulled from the lake just days before.

The National Weather Service says that most drowning deaths at Lake Michigan occur in July and August, so people should be aware of hazardous conditions and exercise caution when entering the lake. With sandy beaches and over 300 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, Lake Michigan attracts thousands of beachgoers and swimmers every day during warm weather. Experts say that the forceful currents create waves that occur every three minutes, putting swimmers at increased risk of personal injury or death.

Lake Michigan also has many offshore sandbars that swimmers often use for stable footing. These sandbars give swimmers a false sense of security. Water is often neck-deep when they step off. If a large wave hits unexpectedly, swimmers can suddenly find themselves in serious trouble getting pulled under the water before lifeguards realize they need help.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As a partner with the firm since 2002, Kevin Yen manages the personal injury department and leads all investigations into nursing home neglect and abuse cases. Kevin has dedicated his life to personal injury matters and has represented thousands of clients and their families to recover damages for their losses. His clients have included family members who lost a loved one due to a tragic accident, injured children, construction workers injured while on the job site and a host of others.

Related Articles

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accident

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries

As a personal injury attorney I have seen firsthand how car accidents can be life-changing. The journey to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. While I am here to help you fight for your rights, it is equally as important to me that you receive the best possible care. Today,

Motor Vehicle Accident

Your Guide to Co-Existing Safely on the Road

Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or both, you have a responsibility to act in accordance with laws that are meant to keep us all safe.  In Chicago, there’s an undeclared war between drivers and cyclists. Drivers are mad cyclists don’t stop at stop signs. Cyclists are mad drivers speed past

Personal Injury

About Personal Injury Lawsuits

You’ve probably heard the phrase “personal injury” and that Illinois law allows you to recover compensation for being injured. But do you understand your rights? Read on for the knowledge of how and when to help yourself, or a loved one, should injury occur. What constitutes an “injury”? Any harm

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos