MILWAUKEE — The Coast Guard is reminding swimmers, kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders, Friday, to swim and paddle safely and responsibly along Lake Michigan and to take reports of in hazardous beach conditions seriously.
There have been an increased number of “Beach Hazards Statements” issued from the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office for Lake Michigan as we enter the latter half of the boating season.
These warnings describe “a high risk of swimming hazards meaning that dangerous waves and currents are expected along the shore and swimming conditions may be life threatening to anyone entering the water.”
In Lake Michigan, last week alone saw the deaths of a kayaker and two swimmers. Two additional swimmers were left in critical condition after submerging and resurfacing, and several other paddlers and beachgoers found themselves in distress after being caught in rip currents and undertows.
This alarmingly-high number of paddlecraft and swimmer related accidents has prompted the United States Coast Guard to remind kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders to paddle safely and responsibly.
The single-most important thing paddlers can do to protect themselves is wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
The Coast Guard has seen an increase in paddlecraft cases where paddlers unexpectedly capsize while not wearing life jackets, get separated from their vessels or are unable to re-enter, and have trouble staying afloat while waiting to be rescued.
Most paddlers can survive for hours in the water if wearing life jackets, but survivability is greatly decreased when not wearing them.
Paddlers out on Lake Michigan are encouraged to learn how to self-rescue in the event of capsizing, be proficient in proper paddling techniques and learn to read the water.
This means only taking on weather and water conditions for which you are physically and mentally prepared and learning rescue skills necessary to assist others.
With paddle sports becoming the fastest growing segment of the recreational boat community; paddlers of all skill levels should seek out paddler education before heading out on the water.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the “Paddlesports America Course,” a four-hour, classroom based introduction to paddling safety, techniques and safety strategies.
Courses may also be offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons, state departments of natural resources and local commercial outfitters.
For more information on taking a Safe Boating or Paddlesports America course please visit http://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-safety-courses.php .
For the latest surf zone forecasts and information on beach hazard safety please visit http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml.