MI Has Nation's Most Dangerous Lake: Study

MICHIGAN — The nation's deadliest lake is right here in Michigan, according to a USA by the Numbers study.

The study said Lake Michigan is the deadliest lake in the country, citing its powerful currents that make it dangerous for swimmers. The study said the lake's waters are especially dangerous during the fall time, when the water and air variables fluctuate greatly, causing the tidal currents to be more powerful and unpredictable.

There have already been 15 Great Lake drownings, including five in Lake Michigan so far in 2023, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Michigan state officials now use a double red flag at all Great Lake beaches to warn swimmers to stay out of the water.

The new warning system comes as data shows an alarming rise in Great Lake drownings. There were 108 Great Lakes drownings in 2022, and a total of 1,170 since 2010, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Here are the ten deadliest lakes in the nation, according to the study:

1. Lake Michigan (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin)

2. Lake Mead (Nevada, Arizona)

3. Lake Lanier (Georgia)

4. Mono Lake (California)

5. Lake of the Ozarks (Missouri)

6. Jacob's Well (Texas)

7. Horseshoe Lake (California)

8. Lake Havasu (Arizona)

9. Lake Mohave (Nevada, Arizona)

10. Lake Washington (State of Washington)

See the full list here