Swimming risks in Lake Michigan Memorial Day weekend

 

You may want to think twice before jumping into Lake Michigan this Memorial Day weekend, as water temperatures are still dangerously cold. 

With cooler than normal temperatures this May, water surface temperatures have only made it into the low fifties.

Beach temperatures will warm up a bit in the coming days, because temperatures will be topping out in the seventies and eighties. However, there are still some major risks to jumping in the water too quick. 

When water temperatures are below 59 degrees, the threat for cold shock is high. Cold shock can occur when you fall into cold water unexpectedly, or even jump into cold water without expecting it to be so cold. Here are some safety facts if you plan to spend the weekend on the water, whether you are kayaking, paddle boarding, boating or just sitting along the shore.