Dangerous currents and breaking waves are common in the Great Lakes region. Rip currents and other currents found near piers are extremely dangerous for swimmers and can lead to drownings.
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In the Great Lakes, swimmers are most likely to encounter one of five common currents: rip, outlet (river channel), longshore, channel, and structural.
However, the Great Lakes are so big that wind churns up waves and rip currents that can compete with those found in oceans. This year alone, 84 people have drowned in the five Great Lakes.
Relax, rip currents don't pull you under. Don't swim against the current. You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
Key Characteristics of Lakes and Ponds- In lakes, ponds, and inland wetlands, the water is standing, not flowing. Though currents can be swift as waters enter and leave ponds and lakes, in general, ponds and lakes move slowly because they have been blocked (by beaver dams, humans, natural rock cavities, etc.)