Could this be the Midwest’s way of saying “not today,” as the Great Lakes churn up waves taller than SUVs and unleash powerful currents that even the strongest swimmers struggle against? Recently, over 9 million people across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were urged to stay out of the water. These warnings followed a surge in dangerous lake conditions, making shorelines risky instead of relaxing. For families who rely on these beaches for summer fun, these advisories are a major disappointment.

The reality is stark: there have already been 45 drownings in the Great Lakes this year. As vacation season peaks, crowds flock to the beaches, often unaware that powerful waves and shifting currents can pose serious threats, even to experienced swimmers. Hazard statements were issued for counties along Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, highlighting the risk of strong rip currents and waves as high as 9 feet in parts of Illinois and Indiana. Along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline, waves reached between 3 and 5 feet.

So, what’s causing this turbulence? Meteorologists explain that the waves are primarily wind-driven, specifically strong northeasterly winds that arrived late one evening and persisted into the next day. These winds not only stir up large waves but also create dangerous currents, including rip and longshore currents, which can pull swimmers away from the shore, often through sandbars or near structures like jetties and piers. Forecasters in Chicago emphasized the severity of the threat, advising that swimming could be life-threatening, especially for less confident swimmers. In Cleveland, it was noted that wave action would generate significant shoreline currents, and people were strongly urged to avoid entering the water altogether.

Residents in areas under advisory—including several counties in Ohio, northern parts of Pennsylvania, and stretches of shoreline in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin—were urged to take these warnings seriously. These alerts aren’t just about big waves; they're about underwater forces that can quickly turn a beach outing into tragedy.

Even on days when the lake appears calm, dangers can still lurk. Rip currents often aren’t dramatic—they might appear as narrow, darker patches of water, a swirling channel, or a subtle stream of foam and debris moving away from the shore. Contrary to common belief, rip currents don’t pull swimmers under; they pull them outward. These currents can travel at speeds up to 8 feet per second, faster than even elite swimmers, posing a real threat to anyone who overestimates their swimming abilities. Since 2010, rip currents in the Great Lakes have claimed over 1,000 lives.

If caught in a rip current, experts recommend the “flip, float, and follow” strategy: flip onto your back to stay calm, float to conserve energy, and follow the current's direction to understand its movement. Then, swim parallel to the shoreline or toward the breaking waves at an angle to return to land. Above all, stay calm and avoid swimming directly against the current, which can quickly exhaust you. Staying relaxed and swimming strategically increases your chances of escaping safely.

For families determined to enjoy the summer, staying informed is crucial. Before heading to the lake, check current beach conditions through apps that provide real-time data, including warnings, wave forecasts, and water quality information for thousands of lakefront areas. Whenever possible, choose beaches with lifeguards—your risk of drowning at a guarded beach is extremely low, estimated at just 1 in 18 million.

As guidance continues to stress: stay away from the water and shoreline structures until the situation improves. The lakes—and the fun—will still be there when it’s safe to return.