Visiting a lake this summer? What to know about dangers lurking at popular US lakes

As our calendars turn over to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend and many participate in summer festivities, we are reminded that danger lurks beneath the water.

With warmer weather and clear skies in our forecast, many families take the opportunity to visit pools, beaches, rivers and lakes.

Here's what you need to know about some of America's most popular lakes and the dangers associated with them.

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Dangerous lakes in the US: Many deaths occurred from drownings

In 2024 so far, there have been 28 total deaths reported at the Great Lakes in America, statistics from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project show.

Of the 28 reported deaths, 10 have been at Lake Michigan, the organization said.

According to the data, there were 85 total deaths reported at the five lakes in 2023. Here’s a list of how many fatalities were reported last year:

1. Lake Michigan, 41
2. Lake Erie, 17
3. Lake Ontario, 17 
4. Lake Superior, 6
5. Lake Huron, 4

The majority of people that died after visiting one of the lakes listed above was drowning, the organization said.

In addition to the Great Lakes, Lake Lanier in Georgia is a lake that has become known for tragic deaths over the years.

At least 216 people died at Lake Lanier between 1994 and 2022, according to data from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.

According to multiple reports, there were 13 deaths total at Lake Lanier and eight drownings in 2023.

In an updated article released in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that over 4,500 people drowned every year from 2020 to 2022.

EPA sends warning to anyone visiting lakes, any other body of water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sending a warning about other dangers besides drownings if you plan to venture to lakes this summer.

Whether its fishing, kayaking or boating, an EPA spokesperson told USA TODAY that people should remain on high alert for changes from their local water regulation agencies.

“When deciding if it is safe to swim in a waterbody, the public should refer to any local or state advisories,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “If available, refer to local or state real-time water quality reports or contact the state or local health department.”

The EPA also offers advice when visiting lakes and any other body of water.

• Steer clear of farm animals
• Don’t ingest untreated water
• Avoid swimming with open wounds and cuts
• Don’t allow your pets to swim in water with visible green scum
• Immediately bathe or shower after swimming in a body of water
• Refrain from swimming in water for three days after heavy rainfall
• Don’t swim if you are sick (especially with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea)

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

Contributing: Francisco Guzman