Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2011-09-04 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Around 4:30 pm EDT, lifeguards on the New Buffalo public beach observed two men being pulled out by an apparent rip current. One of the men was able to grab onto a swim zone buoy. However his friend, a 25 year old man from Palos Hills, Illinois, was pulled out further into the lake. A lifeguard was able to rescue the man on the buoy, but waves as high as 12 feet prevented rescuers from reaching the other person. Eventually, a special Coast Guard boat able to handle the high waves, was called in and eventually found the 25 year old male's body floating along the shore. The other swimmer that was rescued refused medical treatment.

Wider weather episode

High waves on southeastern Lake Michigan cause rough conditions along the lake shore areas, where rip currents were common. One rip current at New Buffalo Public beach contributed to the death of 25 year old, plus minor injuries to a lifeguard. A second man was also caught by the rip current, but was rescued from a swim buoy and refused treatment.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 338843. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.