Hidden Dangers on the Great Lakes

I have always loved the Great Lakes especially Lake Michigan. They are a source of some of the best times I've ever had: surfing, windsurfing, distance swimming or just hanging out at the beach. But they are also the source of great sorrow: every year several dozen people will drown along Great Lakes beaches. The exact number will never be known.

You would think that quantifying something as distinct as drowning wouldn’t be that difficult, but it is. The Great Lakes span 8 States and two countries. Death certificates do not differentiate between a drowning at a pool, pond or one of the Great Lakes. Cause of death is typically determined by a county coroner; there are hundreds of counties that border the Lakes. Furthermore in order for the cause of death to be listed as “drowning”, the victim must die within 24 hours of the submersion. If the victim is resuscitated and dies after this time, the cause of death will not reflect ‘drowning’. As a result, the true number of drownings is clearly under-reported.
There is no agency that tracks deaths on the Great Lakes. Our “Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project” is attempting to do this using media reports. There are still many news agencies that do not report “on-line” resulting in more under-reporting.
So far this year there have been at least 13 drowning deaths along the shores of the Great Lakes, there will undoubtedly be more. Hopefully our research and prevention activities can reduce these numbers.