LOCAL CONDITIONS

Before heading down to the lake, check local conditions with the National Weather Service Surf Forecast: Text Products for SRF Issued by MKX (weather.gov)

TIPS ON STAYING SAFE WHILE ENJOYING OUR LAKEFRONT COMMUNITY

City of Kenosha Ordinance #6.02(b)(6): It is unlawful to enter or remain in the water within fifty (50) feet, measured in any direction, of a pier, jetty, breakwater, or seawall, or within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the mouth of the Pike River. Violators could be fined up to $1,000

DANGEROUS CURRENTS

Can exist on the Great Lakes (Rip Currents, Longshore Currents, Structural Currents, and Outlet Currents).  And these Dangerous Currents happen in concert when there are Winds and Waves; i.e. Winds = Waves = Dangerous Currents.  This illustration can show you how all of these Dangerous Currents can work in concert together.

Dangerous Currents

Different Types of Currents

Click image to enlarge

“Flip, Float, Follow” Drowning Survival Strategy

If you are ever caught in water over your head or a Dangerous Current:

  1. FLIP: Flip over onto your back and float.
  2. FLOAT:
    • Float to keep your head above water.
    • Float to calm yourself down from the panic and fear of drowning.
    • Float to conserve your energy.
  3. FOLLOW: Follow the safest path to safety.
    • Do not fight the current.
    • Follow the current to assess which way it’s flowing. Swim perpendicular to the flow.
    • To tired to swim, continue floating and try to signal for help.
002 Flip Float And Follow Pic 300x231

The Signs of Drowning

  1. Facing shore
  2. Mouth at water level
  3. Head tilted back, look of panic or eyes glassy or closed, and hyperventilating or gasping
  4. Vertical in water. Not using legs for forward swimming movement.
  5. Ladder climbing motion, hands rarely out of the water or may be lightly breaking the surface – Hair over forehead or eyes
001 Signs Of Drowning Pic 300x231