Rip Current — La Porte, Indiana

2010-08-22 · La Porte, Indiana

Event narrative

A father, his two sons and a family friend, were swimming about a half mile west of Washington Park Beach near the pier in Michigan City when they were pulled away from the shore by a strong rip current. The father and one of the sons was able to break away and make it safely out of the water. However, the other son, a 14 year old, and the friend, a 17 year old, were both swept out further from shore and closer to the rocks along the pier. Numerous rescuers attempted to save the boys, but rough conditions made it extremely dangerous to do so. At least two officers were injured, requiring transport to a nearby hospital. Others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The body of the 14 year old was recovered the morning of the 24th, several feet underwater. The body of the 17 year old was recovered the afternoon of the 26th nearly two miles east of the pier and a quarter mile offshore.

Wider weather episode

A north to northwest wind moved in behind a cold front on August 21st. High pressure moved towards the western Great Lakes. This allowed for an extended period of higher winds and waves on far southeastern Lake Michigan with wave heights in the three to six foot range. This caused a high risk of rip currents. Eyewitnesses reported a rip current developed near a Michigan City pier. At least four swimmers were affected by this, with two males losing their lives.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 246838. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.