Unfortunately, Rip Tides Can Mean R.I.P.
Our family has spent this week getting back to life as usual after two different back-to-back vacations on the shores of Lake Michigan. We had an idyllic time with perfect weather and a wonderful time with family. Only since we have returned did I learn that:
The deadliest part of Lake Michigan’s coast is a 120-mile length from Muskegon to the Indiana border. According to The Grand Rapids Press Editorial Board, between 2002-2009, 25 people drowned along that stretch. Half of those died in the waters between South Haven and Muskegon.
This is exactly the stretch of beach where we spent the good part of each day, every day. I knew that there was a possibility of rip tides. When I was out in a kayak, I had a moment where I wondered exactly how one knows when one is caught in a rip tide. At what point does one give up trying to get to the beach and start doing what you are supposed to do: swim or paddle parallel to the shore?
Thankfully, each time any of my family members went out in the water, everyone made it back to shore. My eight-year-old daughter spent hours and hours throwing herself against the crashing waves to see where they would take her. At one point, when my husband was out with her, he was trying to throw her back to shore. Instead she was continuously washed back toward him. Even with her life jacket on, I’m not sure she could have survived a rip tide if she had been caught in one.
As moms we do everything we can to make sure our kids are safe but also that they get to experience the joys and freedom of play. If we are scared of every possible thing that might go wrong, our kids will never get to experience life to its fullest. I can only imagine how devastated the families of drowning victims must feel; how the what ifs and if onlys must haunt their waking moments. Who expects that a happy day at the beach could end in such tragedy?
Sitting on the beach one day, I realized how difficult it was to keep track of my three kids. One or another seemed to sneak out into the water without a life jacket in the off moment that I happened to glance away. I realized how impossible it is to keep everyone perfectly safe every moment. I honestly don’t know how life guards do it.
I’m sure that we will be spending another week or two along the (dangerous) shores of Lake Michigan again next year. I will try not to let my fear of rip tides paralyze me and prevent me and my kids from truly enjoying ourselves. I will definitely, however, be on the watch for signs of a rip tide and make sure that my kids and family members are educated on lake shore safety.
The Chicago Moms send their deepest condolences to the family of Ethan Seitzer, a young boy from Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood who recently drowned in Lake Michigan.
Melanie is a mom of four kids, trying not to freak out about safety both on and off the water. You can read more about her experiences in parenting at her blog, “tales from the crib.” She also blogs at “reviews from the crib.”
No related posts.
Category: Chicago, Illinois, Mom Challenges, Summer, Travel
Such a good reminder. Anytime we come in contact with water it can end poorly. Staying as vigilant as possible is all any of us can do.
Authorities are now looking for two teenage boys who are presumed drowned due to rip tides. I’m starting to think small or medium sized inland lakes are the way to go, even though I love spending the day on the Lake Michigan beaches. I realize any water can be dangerous, but rip tides just scare me in a way few other things do.