Rip Current — Ozaukee, Wisconsin

2018-08-20 · Ozaukee, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Ozaukee County Emergency Manager first alerted WFO MKX about a missing swimmer at Harrington Beach State Park along the Lake Michigan shore. A group of 5 people went swimming in dangerous swimming conditions when strong onshore winds were creating high waves and an increased risk of sub-surface currents. Of the five swimmers, four people returned to the beach. Of the four, a woman in her 30s suffered life-threatening injures due to water inhalation, and died. The missing male swimmer turned up about two weeks later, on September 4th at Whitefish Dunes State Park, about 120 miles north along the Lake Michigan shore. An autopsy confirmed the male died from drowning.

Wider weather episode

A pair of swimmers drown after going swimming at Harrington Beach State Park during a period of dangerous swimming conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 774128. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.