MARQUETTE, Mich, (WZMQ) – With the weather warming, people are headed down to Lake Superior for some summer fun.
But it’s important to remember to enjoy the lake responsibly.
No matter how nice the water looks, Katie Moe, a water safety instructor with the Red Cross, said weather and water conditions can change in an instant.
“It might just look like a lake but it’s really not a lake, it’s more of an inland sea,” said Moe. “People have to be aware that it changes all the time, constantly. Within the hour is can change.”
Moe said whether at the beach or on a boat, the most important thing you to be safe while enjoying the weather is being prepared.
“The biggest thing obviously is doing the research,” said Moe. “Looking at where you’re going, telling someone where you’re going, and always making sure that people are swimming with a buddy.”
If you’re swimming, pay attention to the flags and signs at city beaches showing water conditions, especially if there is no life guard on duty.
Captain Kirk Vogler from the Marquette Fire Department encourages swimmers to be aware of rip currents, which can be identified by a break or gap in the waves, and can pull swimmers into deeper water.
“If you get caught in one of those you’re supposed to swim parallel to shore until you’ve stopped getting pulled away from the shore,” said Vogler. “Then take a diagonal back towards the shore, continuing to go away from the rip current.”
If you’re boating, the coast guard recommends always wearing a life jacket.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dustin Leicht from Marquette’s Coast Guard post said even during the summer, the water can be cold enough to cause Hypothermia.
“If you find yourself falling into cold water, you have about a minute to control your breathing,” said Leicht. “Then you have about ten minutes of what we consider meaningful movement, then the last one, you have about an hour before you lose consciousness.”
If you plan ahead, wear your life jacket, and avoid swimming alone, Leicht says there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the lake safely all summer long.
“It’s a great way to get outside, it’s a great way to enjoy nature, and have fun with your friends and family,” said Leicht.
Click here for more information about Marquette’s city beaches, signage, and flag system, here for info about the Red Cross’ water safety resources, and here for the Coast Guard rules and regulations for boating.
