TWO RIVERS – Two adults and a child were rescued from Lake Michigan on Tuesday after wind and currents pushed them about a half-mile offshore near Rawley Point, according to the City of Two Rivers Watercraft Rescue Team.
The rescue team was called about 11:12 a.m. July 14 after callers reported people on floaties had drifted too far from shore to return on their own.
Two Rivers rescue team reaches people drifting on Lake Michigan
Rescue personnel found two adults and a child north of Rawley Point, unable to get back to shore without help.
The City of Two Rivers PWC Rescue Team reached the three people in the water within 15 minutes of the initial call, officials said.
All three were safely rescued. No medical assistance was needed at the scene, and officials said they were in good condition.
Multiple agencies respond to Lake Michigan rescue near Rawley Point
Local and state agencies worked together on the rescue, officials said.
The City of Two Rivers Watercraft Rescue Team thanked the Town of Two Rivers Fire Department, Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Mishicot Ambulance Service for their response.
Lake Michigan water safety: What to know before using floaties or inflatables
Officials said conditions near Point Beach State Forest and Rawley Point can change quickly, especially when offshore winds and currents push swimmers, rafts or floats away from shore.
Longshore currents on Lake Michigan can also carry swimmers and floats parallel to the beach, moving people far from where they entered the water.
Open-water distances can be difficult to judge, officials said. What appears to be a short distance from shore can quickly become dangerous, especially for children and people who are not strong swimmers.
Pool floats, air mattresses and inflatable toys are not safety devices and are not designed for open-water use. They can deflate, tip or be swept away by waves and currents.
How to stay safe on Lake Michigan near Two Rivers
Before entering Lake Michigan, swimmers and watercraft users should check wind speed, wave height and weather conditions.
People should stay within their ability, avoid swimming or wading beyond where they can stand comfortably and closely supervise children near the water.
Anyone who sees someone in distress on Lake Michigan should call 911 immediately.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Two Rivers rescue team pulls 3 from Lake Michigan
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
