HOLLAND, Mich. — Behind the strong waves of Lake Michigan is the ongoing concern for water safety on its beaches.
As most West Michigan beaches do not have lifeguards, many people's concern is that more drownings will occur, especially during peak season. Brandi Donley, who is now a water safety advocate with Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, knows the pain of losing a loved one. Her son Brandon Schmidt, who had just recently turned 20, drowned in Lake Michigan on August 15, 2018.
"Since then, I've been advocating for water safety with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, and we do a lot of family outreach and education about water safety and the importance of it," said Donley.
Donley has dedicated her life to raising awareness, working with the non-profit and educating the public about the potential danger of the Great Lakes. Bob Pratt, director of education, said although drowning is preventable, it continues to be an issue, especially in Michigan.
"Drowning is a huge problem in the United States, it's the leading cause of accidental death in children one to four, the second leading cause of accidental deaths in children 15 and under,” Bob Pratt said. "Here in the State of Michigan, you can't go more than six miles without coming across some kind of natural body of water."
The organization has been tracking drownings since 2010. So far, they have documented that of the approximate 1,200 drownings on the five Great Lakes, most of them happened in Lake Michigan. Of those who died, less than 20% were not wearing a life vest.
"Wearing a life jacket almost guarantees your survivability in the great lakes,” Pratt said. "Those drownings that did happen when people were wearing life jackets were in very, very cold water, and the person was in the water for a very prolonged period of time."
Since losing her son, Donley said she has noticed most people visit the beaches unaware of the dangers and risks of going into the water.
"No matter how good of a swimmer you are, there's always dangers with being in the water,” Donley said. "It’s never safe, and losing someone you love from drowning or even being in a water emergency yourself can happen to anyone."
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