Can lakes pull you under?

Dispelling the Myth of the Rip Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they pull people away from shore. The rip current is typically the strongest about a foot off of the bottom, which can cause your feet to be knocked out from under you making it feel like something under the water was pulling you.



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Underwater currents can form in lakes, rivers and oceans, and there are many reasons why they happen.

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You may have heard about the rip tide or undertow before. These are terms that people commonly use to describe dangerous currents. However, since there are no tides in the Great Lakes (needed to form a rip tide) and currents don't pull a person down under the water (undertow), they are a bit inaccurate.

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Myth: Rip currents pull people under water. Fact: A rip current will not pull you under water, but they can pull a swimmer away from the beach beyond breaking waves. Myth: Human chains are an effective rescue technique. Fact: Human chains can be extremely dangerous.

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Time limits An average person can last between one and three minutes before falling unconscious and around ten minutes before dying. In an unusual case with the best conditions, a person was resuscitated after 65 minutes underwater.

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Undercurrents are typically caused by various factors such as differences in water temperature, salinity, or the shape of the seabed.

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Even on hot spring days, lakes, ponds, and rivers are still cold and are dangerous for swimmers. Hypothermia can occur quickly in very cold water. Summer – Water that is warm on the surface, may be much colder below. Use caution when swimming and always supervise young children playing in or near the water.

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Know before you go Before you head out, check online to find out if the swim area is currently monitored, is under advisory, or has been closed for health or safety reasons. This is especially important after a heavy rain.

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Lake Drownings are Especially Common It is easier to drown in freshwater than in saltwater. Lake waters are dark and murky – it harder to spot someone who is drowning. Ice on lakes can be thinner than expected, causing someone to fall through and drown.

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Water and homes aren't always a match made in heaven. Living near a body of water often results in added maintenance costs. Rising waters can damage your home, and large bodies of water tend to cause additional wear and tear.

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