Page 7 - Dave Benjamin News Today

"This legislation is about saving lives," said state Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. "Lake Michigan is one of our state’s great resources, but its undertow can be dangerous for any swimmer."

The Indiana Senate Natural Resources Committee agreed and passed 8-0 on Monday Senate Bill 424, a bill requiring water rescue equipment to be available along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. It was passed with amendments clarifying what a “drop-off” is for the bill’s purposes.

The agency that tracks drownings in the Great Lakes says this year has seen a record number of cases.

A kiteboarder was rescued from drowning in Lake Michigan on Saturday but was in grave condition.

The deceased was identified early Tuesday by the DNR.

Evelyn Hernandez survived a near death drowning experience in 2012 and now advocates the importance of water safety skills among other community members.

Many of us think of lakes as safer for swimming and boating versus the ocean with its various waves and currents. However, the Great Lakes are so big that wind churns up waves and rip currents that can compete with those found in oceans.

There have been 84 drownings in the Great Lakes this year, according the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Thats up from 64 at this time last year.

More people are dying in rip currents and activists say more protections are needed.

A claim exceeding $85 million was filed with the U.S. Forest Service for damage caused by last summer’s Tamarack Fire. Attorney Bill Jeanney said filing the claim was the first hurdle before a lawsuit can...