Lake Michigan sees 40 deaths in 2024, calls for water safety education

In 2024, Lake Michigan has seen a concerning rise in fatalities, with 40 deaths reported so far. As the summer season comes to a close, lifeguards at Chicago beaches will no longer be on duty until 2025, prompting safety advocates to emphasize the need for increased vigilance among beachgoers. The lake is known for its unpredictable conditions, including drop-offs and inshore holes, which can pose significant risks even to those swimming close to shore. Halle Quezada, who experienced a tragic incident in 2018 when a young swimmer drowned at Loyola Beach, has been actively working to raise awareness about water safety. Alongside Benjamin from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, they aim to educate the public about the hidden dangers of Lake Michigan. Their efforts have led to the introduction of a new Illinois law mandating water safety training for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The curriculum, which could be implemented as early as this school year, includes essential lessons on recognizing dangerous currents and breaking waves. Advocates hope to expand this training requirement to include high school students in Illinois and encourage similar legislation in other Great Lakes states. As temperatures remain warm in the Chicago area, safety experts warn that dangerous conditions are expected to persist, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and awareness to prevent further tragedies on the lake.