Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2011-05-22 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Local media reported that St. Joseph dive team and Coast Guard officials were called to Silver Beach around 5 pm EDT. A 19 year old swimmer walked to the end of the pier and jumped into the water where increasingly higher waves were observed. A combination of the strong current along the pier, increasing waves and 60 degree water all combined to cause problems for the novice swimmer. Officials located the body of the teen at 6:19 pm EDT 15 to 18 feet underwater.

Wider weather episode

A 19 year old swimmer walked to the end of the pier and jumped into the water where increasingly higher waves were observed. A combination of the strong current along the pier, increasing waves and 60 degree water all combined to cause problems for the novice swimmer. Officials located the body of the teen at 6:19 pm EDT 15 to 18 feet underwater.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 338914. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.