Seven tips to keep you safe on the Great Lakes this summer
With summer here and school out, families across southwestern Ontario are flocking to Lake Huron and Lake Erie. But with the beauty of the Great Lakes comes real danger, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those unfamiliar with lake conditions.
Scott Ruddle, a Great Lakes water safety expert, joined CBC London Morning to share seven top tips people need to know before they wade in.
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1. The Great Lakes are more like freshwater seas than calm lakes
Despite the name, the Great Lakes are vast, deep and unpredictable.
"They have surf-like conditions just like the ocean, sometimes even worse," said Ruddle. "But people hear the word 'lake' and assume it's calm and safe."
Lake Ontario. (Paul Campbell/The Weather Network)
Adding to the danger, freshwater lacks the buoyancy of saltwater in the oceans, meaning even strong swimmers float lower. That makes it easier to swallow water, panic and struggle to stay afloat.
2. Waves mean hidden currents, and currents mean danger
When the waves are up, so is the risk.
According to Ruddle, waves even one metre high are enough to create dangerous currents beneath the surface, especially rip currents. These narrow, fast-moving channels of water can pull swimmers far from shore. Rip currents can also appear deceptively calm in smoother patches of water with sand or debris moving away from land.
"That calm-looking area might actually be the most dangerous part of the lake," Ruddle warns.
3. If you're caught in a rip current, remember: Flip, float, follow
Panic is the biggest threat when someone gets pulled out to deep water.
"If you start to feel in distress, flip over onto your back and float," said Ruddle.
This keeps your face above water and buys time to collect your thoughts.
"Take a deep breath, calm yourself, and then follow a path to safety."
That might mean swimming parallel to shore to escape a rip current or signalling someone for help. "Flip, float and follow, that sequence saves lives."
4. If the waves are high, stay dry
Ruddle said he sees it all the time: beach goers drive a couple of hours to get to the lake and feel like they have to get in, regardless of conditions.
"They'll say, 'I'm just going in up to my knees or waist,' but that creates a false sense of safety," he said.
Waves and currents can knock people off their feet in shallow water. If the lake looks rough, choose another activity on the beach.
"You don't need to get wet for it to be a good day."
5. Avoid piers and jetties, they're current magnets
Piers, jetties and docks might look like great photo ops or jump spots, but Ruddle calls them trouble areas that can harbour sharp zebra mussels, lost fishing hooks and slippery surfaces. Worse, they're common sites for rip currents to form. Water funnels around these structures, creating strong flows that can drag swimmers out to deeper water.
"It's just not worth the risk," he said.
6. Local knowledge can save your life
Not all beaches are created equal, and not all dangers are obvious, so Ruddle urges people to ask questions when they arrive somewhere new.
"The best person to talk to is a lifeguard," he said. "They'll know where it's safe, where the drop-offs are, and where the strong currents or boat traffic might be."
No lifeguard? Asking a local in a simple conversation could prevent a tragedy.
7. Skip the inflatables on windy days
A child was recently rescued 700 metres from shore after drifting away on a large inflatable on Lake Huron.
"That wasn't a current-related situation. It was an offshore breeze," said Ruddle.
Scott Ruddle, left, in the tower at Grand Bend's Main Beach in August 2020. (Submitted by Scott Ruddle)
When the wind blows from land toward the water, toys and floaties can quickly carry people out far beyond where they can paddle back.
"Even beach balls or volleyballs can trigger dangerous chases. It's a $5 toy. Let it go, you're worth more."
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Thumbnail courtesy of Travis Dolynny/CBC.
The story was originally written by and published for CBC News.