How Dangerous Are Wisconsin Lakes

Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers are extremely popular during summer, with thousands of people flocking to their shores to enjoy the warmth and recreational activities they provide. But unfortunately, many people lose their lives in boating accidents and accidental drownings each year. But just how dangerous are Wisconsin lakes? This article will cover Wisonsin’s drowning rates, dangerous lakes and rivers, and reported fatal waterway accidents.

Wisconsin Drowning Rates

Compared to other states, Wisconsin doesn’t have a high drowning rate. For example, from 2018 to 2021, the Badger State had 1.2 drowning deaths per 100,000 people. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under 14 after car accidents. As a result, Wisconsin experiences an average of 65 fatal drownings each year.

The Most Dangerous Lakes and Rivers in Wisconsin

1. Lake Michigan

Sadly, drownings at Lake Michigan are common. So far, in 2023, there have been 20 drownings spread over every state surrounding the Great Lake. Most of the drownings were due to strong currents, which is why it’s so important to wear a life jacket.

For example, in June 2023, a 58-year-old man and his 28-year-old son were spotted struggling in Lake Michigan at Simmons Island Beach, Kenosha. A person on a jet ski tried to help and managed to save the son but couldn’t get to the father, who disappeared under the water. Sadly, the Coast Guard pulled his body from the lake 15 minutes later.

2. Devil’s Lake

Devil’s Lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and a forest filled with miles of hiking trails. It’s where people go to experience a relaxing camping trip, outdoor adventure, or a quiet picnic on the shore. But this lake also lives up to its name and has a dark past. Many visitors have lost their lives in this Devil’s Lake and its surroundings. The lake is flanked by 500-foot bluffs, offering the most spectacular views. However, several hikers have fallen to their deaths from these bluffs when they wandered off the trail or went hiking at night.

Numerous drownings and medical emergencies have also occurred on Devil’s Lake. For example, in May 2022, Thomas OLeary’s body was recovered by divers. OLeary and his family from Sylvania, Ohio, rented a lake cottage for Memorial Day weekend. He decided to go tubing with his daughter, but before they started moving, OLeary and his daughter fell off the tube. Luckily, his little girl was wearing a life jacket and emerged unscathed, but her father went under and never resurfaced until the divers found him.

3. Peshtigo River

The Peshtigo River has claimed many lives from recreational activities like floating, tubing, or boating. Unfortunately, this river has upstream rapids that prove to be very dangerous for visitors due to the buildup of debris. Furthermore, This river is also the site of PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluroroalkyl Substances) contamination.

4. Wolf River

Wolf River is notorious as a great outdoor recreation area. The river offers a variety of scenery, like abundant waterways, vegetation, and a large number of outdoor recreational activities, including:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Camping
• Hiking
• Whiteriver rafting

Furthermore, Wolf River offers rubber raft floating, canoeing, and other boating opportunities due to the high gradient of the stream. Its various rapids, riffles, and waterfalls make it especially attractive. However, these features are also what makes this river so dangerous. To prevent accidents, several portages are required around waterfalls and long rocky stretches are avoided depending on the amount of water in the stream and the season. Many people have succumbed to fatal rafting, boating, or floating accidents in Wolf River.

5. Menominee River

The Menominee River forms the eastern boundary of Marinette County and separates the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Wisconsin. While the lower river has a slower current and low-hazard rapids, the upper stretch is much more dangerous. For example, the current is faster, and the rapids are difficult to navigate. These areas are not for beginners; only experts in decked boats should venture down this stretch.

While many fatal accidents on this river are due to boating and rafting tragedies, one death had nothing to do with recreational activity. In September 2011, a 45-year-old man plunged his car into the Menominee River near the Michigan-Wisconsin border. Authorities received a call about a vehicle submerged in the water. The driver, later identified as Robert H. Bergstrom, didn’t appear to be moving, and once the rescue team pulled him from the car, he was already dead.

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