Is Lake Michigan water clean to swim in?

Is Lake Michigan water clean to swim in? If you get caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current. Lake Michigan is generally clean and safe for swimming but it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Lake Michigan?

The answer is no. Being immersed in, rather than atop, cold water feels different. As fall turns into winter and the thermometer drops, the increasingly cold water starts to feel good, even warm. Wetsuits would only get in the way of this descent into conditions that have become delightful.

Can you get sick swimming in Lake Michigan?

About Harmful Bacteria coli in the water along Lake Michigan's shoreline is a strong indication that the water was recently contaminated by sewage or animal fecal waste. These wastes may contain many types of harmful disease-causing organisms.

Should I wear a life vest when swimming in Lake Michigan?

Swim in places with lifeguard supervision. Swim only in designated areas. Children should wear life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Do not rely on puddle jumpers, arm floaties, air-filled or foam toys.

What months is Lake Michigan warmest?

The time of year with warmer water lasts for 2.7 months, from July 5 to September 26, with an average temperature above 65°F. The month of the year in Lake Michigan Beach with the warmest water is August, with an average temperature of 72°F.

Should you shower after swimming in Lake Michigan?

Should you shower after swimming in Lake Michigan? Take a shower: Bathe yourself after swimming in a lake in order to maintain hygiene and stay clean. If bacteria has not entered your body, it may be actively resting on your skin, creating a rash or finding an open cut to infect.

Why is Lake Michigan water so cold?

A north-northeast wind has pushed the warmer surface water along the Michigan shore back toward the middle of Lake Michigan and brought up colder water from well beneath the surface. This process is called upwelling.

Is Lake Michigan cold to swim in?

Though not as warm as the oceans, temperatures of Lake Michigan do rise to the high 60s in July and August to make swimming enjoyable, and definitely refreshing! Rarely do temperatures make it to the 70s, unless air temperatures stay up in the 90's for many continuous days.

Why is Lake Michigan so famous?

Lake Michigan has the longest stretch from north to south of all the Great Lakes, giving it a very diverse climate, which allows for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The lake boasts a variety of natural habitats, including tallgrass prairies, wide savannas, and the world's largest freshwater sand dunes.

Is Lake Michigan still polluted?

Lake Erie and Lake Michigan are ranked the third and fourth most polluted lakes in the United States, according to nature website AZ Animals.

Why is Lake Michigan so blue?

The blue in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron is sediment brought to the surface when strong winds churned the lakes. The green in Lake Erie and in Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay is algae, which builds on the surface when winds are calm.

Do people swim in Lake Michigan in the winter?

Those who brave the frigid feat and swim in the winter are nicknamed “ice monsters.” Lake Michigan continuously cools throughout winter, and with March averaging an annual low of 32.9 degrees, it's the chilliest month for open-water swimming.

Why is Lake Michigan so dark?

When the lake is deep, and the angle of incoming light is smaller, Lake Michigan's color appears deep blue. This is because the light travels down with little obstructions and dissipates far below the surface. The light then appears darker in the visible spectrum.

Which Great Lakes is the warmest to swim in?

Erie is the most southerly, shallow, and biologically diverse of all of the Great Lakes. Its shallow depth makes it the warmest Great Lake and a favourite destination for summer recreationists and migrating birds.

Are Michigan Lakes warm enough to swim?

Lake Michigan water temperatures Lake Michigan sees its warmest water temperatures typically from late-June through mid-September. It's not uncommon to have surface water temperatures in the 70s and sometimes even low 80s along the West Michigan lakeshore in that same time frame.

Which Great lake can you not swim in?

Lake Michigan in particular is the roughest of the Great Lakes, and poses a major risk to those thinking of taking a dip.