(WXYZ) — The U.S. Coast Guard's Great Lakes division says 64 people have drowned on the Great Lakes this year, with the majority of the drownings happening on Lakes Michigan and Erie.
According to the Coast Guard, the drownings have all happened since, Jan. 1, and they are hoping to bring awareness to the potential dangers of the lakes.
The Coast Guard said several factors contributed to the drownings, including: cold water, rip currents, boating under the influence, boating without a life jacket, not filing a float plan with someone on shore and not having signaling devices/EPIRBs/VHF radio.
They say last week a 57-year-old woman was rescued after spending 14 hours in the water when she ell off her jet ski the night before. She likely survived, the Coast Guard said, because she had a life jacket. Also last week, two men were rescued after 16 hours when their boat capsized, and they were also wearing life jackets and had a flashlight to signal a helicopter crew.
After the post last week, at least one other drowning was reported on Lake Michigan, after a man struggled in high waves and strong current on Saturday in Park Township.
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says at least 27 people have drowned in Lake Michigan states this year.