Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2010-08-16 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

A 9 year old boy and his father were swimming at a private beach when the rip current took both away from shore. The father was able to escape, but the boy went underwater and remained there for 20 to 25 minutes. He was rescued but attempts to revive him failed.

Wider weather episode

A strong pressure gradient developed across the Great Lakes, causing strong northwesterly winds and an increased risk of rip currents across far southeastern Lake Michigan. At least one rip current developed, this one being at a private beach in Chikaming Township, near Harbert in Berrien County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 246839. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.