MARQUETTE, MI-- High water levels on the Great Lakes are making breakwaters and other such structures more dangerous.
David Wright is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He says breakwaters were designed as navigation aids—not for public access—and have tripping hazards.
“That risk is further heightened due to high water levels. You’re more inclined to see over-topping waves, you’re going to see more often wet surfaces that can be slippery on some of the structures,” he says.
Wright adds wave action can also make it dangerous for swimmers.
“There’s rip currents in an around structures under the water that, when someone does, say, dive in when they’re swimming, under higher water levels those rip currents are different than normal and/or stronger.”
Wright says Great Lakes levels are expected to remain high for the rest of the summer.
