Rip Current — Benzie, Michigan

2012-08-04 · Benzie, Michigan

Event narrative

A rip current fatality occurred near Peterson Beach, in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. During a family outing, a 40 year old male from Cincinnati went into the water to pull out two nephews who were struggling with waves and strong currents. He was able to get them to safety, but was unable to himself escape the water. A park ranger retrieved his body from about five feet water a half-hour later, and CPR was performed on site, but he was pronounced dead soon after arrival at a local hospital. Rescue personnel estimated waves of 3 to 5 feet at the time of the incident.

Wider weather episode

Wave action produced by onshore winds of 15 to 20 mph contributed to rip current development on Lake Michigan.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 410928. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.