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In 2005, there were 3,582 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States, averaging ten deaths per day. An additional 710 people died, from drowning and other causes, in boating-related incidents.1, 2
More than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger.1 For every child who dies from drowning, another four received emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.1
Nonfatal drownings can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (i.e., permanent vegetative state).
Between 1993 and 2007, 43 people accidentally drown in Muskegon County bathtubs, swimming pools, rivers, and lakes.3
37% in Lake Michigan or Lake Michigan channels
24% in inland lakes and ponds
21% in swimming pools and bathtubs
18% in auto/bridge and boating accidents
Because some of Muskegon’s most popular recreational activities include fishing, boating, and swimming, Public Health - Muskegon County continually supports water safety education and community efforts to increase safety on our waterways.
About Muskegon’s Waterways
Muskegon residents and visitors have access to 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, over 350 miles of river and streams, as well as 13 inland lake public swimming areas located on 11 of the 20 inland lakes.
Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and ranks as the fifth largest lake in the world. Because of its size and geographical location, Lake Michigan often reacts to weather changes much more like an ocean than a lake; and water seekers should use the highest level of caution when swimming or boating in Lake Michigan.
Along the 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are 3 state, 3 county, and 5 municipally owned public beaches (map); however, only a few have lifeguards or use the flag system to warn potential bathers of hazardous weather conditions such as high waves, rip currents, or thunderstorms.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80% of all rescues on U.S. beaches are related to rip currents (about rip currents). The National Weather Service now includes a basic rip current forecast on its hazardous weather outlook for Lake Michigan.
In addition to the potential hazards on Lake Michigan, local rivers and streams can be dangerous due to swift currents especially following significant rainfall.
You can increase you and your family’s safety by following these recommendations:
Beach Safety
- Never
swim alone. Always use the buddy system.
- Always
wear a life jacket, especially if you do not know how to
swim well.
- Stay
out of the water on windy and wavy days.
- Pay
attention and obey all posted flag
colors and beach signs.
- Learn
to swim.
- Other
beach safety tips
Boating
- Know
the weather forecast before you go out and watch for changes
in weather conditions.
- Keep
life jackets handy and do not make fun of passengers that
want to wear them.
- Tell
someone where you are going and how long you plan to be
gone.
- Anchor
your boat from the bow, not the stern.
- Do
not drink and drive.
- Know
your boat's load limit and do not exceed it.
- Keep
a safe distance from other boats and stay out of swim areas.
- Do
not exceed posted speed limits.
- Take
a safe boating course.
Pier Safety
- Closely
supervise children.
- Life
jackets should be worn by young children and non-swimmers.
- Do
not dive off of or swim around pier structures.
- Stay
off piers during high winds or when waves are washing over.
- Avoid
walking on wet and slippery areas.
- Do
not get close to the edge.
- Do
not run or climb on pier structures.
Additional Information
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. (2008) [cited 2008 March 23].
2 U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (US). Boating Statistics – 2006 [online]. 2008. [cited 2008 March 26].
3 Michigan Department of Vital Statistics & Muskegon County Clerk’s Office, 2007.
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