Lake Michigan Setting Records in 2020
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Lake Michigan has been setting records for both warm temperatures and high water levels which may attract Chicagoans to the lake to swim. On July 8, the average water temperature reached 75.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 11 degrees warmer than normal. The only other time the lake has been this warm was at the end of July in 1999. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Michigan’s average water level is more than two and a half feet higher than its long term July average, and 3 inches above 2019’s peak water level. However, with Chicago beaches being closed due to social distancing guidelines and lifeguards not on duty, Chicagoans should be warned of the potential dangers of swimming in Lake Michigan.
Due to its north to south orientation, more currents develop in Lake Michigan compared to the other Great Lakes. This has given Lake Michigan the tile of the most dangerous Great Lake. Between 2002 and 2018, over 400 current-related incidents occurred in Lake Michigan. There are five different types of currents in the Great Lakes. There are rip currents, longshore currents, structural currents, outlet currents, and channel currents. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has warned Chicagoans about swimming in the lake without lifeguards on duty as the high water levels have contributed to especially strong currents and waves this summer. If you chose to swim in Lake Michigan at an open beach under lifeguard supervision, the best way to avoid a current related incident is to keep away from piers, rocks, jetties, channels, river, or stream outlets. Also, make sure to check the news for any current warnings before you jump in!
The high water levels have also submerged much of the break walls in the lake near Chicago. Keep an extra watchful eye when boating or swimming to avoid running into or jumping on the underwater break walls as they can be exceedingly difficult to see right now. According to the Chicago Fire Department, this season alone, on four different occasions, boats have hit break walls due to not seeing them. The Chicago Fire Department also says that the all-time record for the height of Lake Michigan has been broken this summer. While swimming off boats, it is always a good idea to wear a life vest in order to prevent fatal injuries.
If you want to learn more about water safety tips, check out our previous blog post that goes into more detail here.
