The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging caution around Great Lakes piers and breakwaters, especially during high winds and waves.
Josh Hachey is the Chief of Operations of the Support Section of the Army Corps and tells us this is the time of year when it gets more dangerous to wander out on to the piers.
“The Great Lakes are dangerous anytime if you’re not careful, but cold water, in particular, can cause shock and can cause drowning,” Hachey said. “So, the main thing is to stay away from those structures during any period of inclement weather.”
Hachey says a person can get cold shock in less than 60 seconds if they fall into Lake Michigan. He reminds everyone piers aren’t there for recreation.
“Keep in mind that the reason the structures are there is to protect the harbor, to make sure the ships come in and out of the harbor safely. So while it’s not uncommon for people to walk out on the structures and use them for recreation purposes, the primary reason for the structures is to protect the harbor and ensure that shipping and boat traffic can continue safely.”
Hachey also says objects under the water aren’t as visible on windy days, and someone who’s fallen into the lake can injure themselves by hitting them. He notes every year, west Michigan sees drownings because of people falling off piers.
Additionally, everyone’s reminded to stay off Lake Michigan ice once it forms. As the Coast Guard says, no ice is safe ice.
Hachey says for more information on water and pier safety, the Great Lakes Beach and Pier Safety Task Force website is a great resource at RespectThePower.org.
