Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2012-08-05 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Local and Coast Guard officials reported a man drown while saving two children from the lake. Around 10:30 am, the 50 year old pediatric surgeon observed two young kayakers caught in the high waves and rip currents. He swam to them and was able to aid them. However, he was subsequently caught in the same conditions and drown.

Wider weather episode

Strong north to northwest winds across Lake Michigan caused wave heights in excess of 8 feet along the south-eastern parts of the lake shore. Local and Coast Guard officials reported two rip current drownings. The first occurred at Tiscornia Beach in St. Joseph when a swimmer became overcome by the high waves. The 41 year old male, from Illinois, was unconscious in 12 feet of water. Although attempts to revive him occurred, he passed away en route to the hospital. Shortly, after this rescue, officials reported a man drown while saving two children from the lake. Around 10:30 am, the 50 year old pediatric surgeon observed two young kayakers caught in the high waves and rip currents. He swam to them and was able to aid them. However, he was subsequently caught in the same conditions and drown.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 390876. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.