Tragedy averted as Michigan City lifeguards rescue swimmers caught in rip current

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- It was a close call at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City after two swimmers were swept away by a dangerous rip current.

Luckily, lifeguards jumped into action just in time.

Just before noon on Sunday, two people were wading in Lake Michigan when they suddenly found themselves caught in a powerful rip current.

It all happened in seconds.

In the video, lifeguards enter the water, swimming straight toward the pair.

More lifeguards quickly assisted, bringing flotation devices to help keep the swimmers above water.

Together, they pulled them out of the current and brought them back to shore.

There's no word on their condition at this time.

According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, at least 19 people have drowned in Lake Michigan just this year.

While summer is still in full swing, that's less than half the total number of drowning deaths Lake Michigan saw last year.

In 2024, there were 51 drowning deaths, which was a large increase from the year before — where 41 people died from drowning incidents on the lake.

If you’re caught in a rip current, experts recommend you don't panic, don't fight the current, swim parallel to the shore, float or tread water if needed, look for a break in the current, and signal for help by waving and yelling if you can't escape.