HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Eight agencies in Holland are teaming up to send a dramatic life-saving message to teenagers about why it isn’t safe to swim when a red flag is out.
Between 2010 and last year, 536 people drowned in the Great Lakes, according to Sgt. Cal Keuning of the Ottawa County Marine Unit.
“The message in the PSA is critical and we are in a position to help educate teens about the dangers of these waters,” he told 24 Hour News 8.
A record number of drownings were recorded in the Great Lakes last year, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. The group says this year, there have been 20 possible drownings so far.
“(Lake Michigan) is beautiful today, but sometimes it gets fired up and the waves are too much for even the best swimmers,” said Jack Huisingh, director of the Holland Aquatic Center.
The four-minute PSA starts with three teenagers heading out to the beach. They spot a red flag warning about dangerous waters, but one girl ignores it, insisting she’s a strong swimmer.
The video then switches to her friend calling 911 for help and an intense search and rescue operation ensues. Radio conversations between all the emergency responders play out as watercraft comb the water, divers suit up, and paramedics prepare for the worst on shore.