Imagine a body of water so 1 that it holds about 20% of the entire world's 2 freshwater. This group of connected lakes are called the Great Lakes. They were 3 out by ancient glaciers and are 4 between the USA and Canada.
These lakes are 5 to the 6, economy, and ecology of the area. They provide drinking water to over 40 million people, and support massive shipping and fishing industries. They provide important wetlands for birds and fish, and 7 habitats for more than 3,500 plant and animal 8.
The Great Lakes support a massive, booming tourism industry that 9 millions of visitors annually and 10 over $16 billion in 11. The region has become one of North America's 12 outdoor and luxury travel destinations.
One of the most popular attractions for both tourists and locals alike are the 13 sandy beaches. And one of the most popular activities, of course, is swimming. But there are some 14 for Great Lakes swimmers.
Experts warn that swimming in a Great Lake can actually feel like being 15 inside a giant washing machine. "The 16 of the waves is much greater here than in the ocean," explains James Rozenthall, a 17 from the National Weather Service. "They just keep 18 you down, and the constant action 19 quickly."
Unlike ocean waves, Great Lakes waves are mostly 20 by the wind. This makes them incredibly 21, crashing into you from all different directions. On the ocean, you usually have time to 22 between waves. But here? "They come in fast and close together," warns the weather service. "If a wave knocks you down, you only have three to five seconds to get back up before the next one hits."
We have all 23 this 24 at the beach. You might see someone just a few feet from the shore, 25 fighting the water to reach the safety of the sand. Even standing at the waterline can be 26, as the powerful waves quickly suck the sand right out from under your feet.
Furthermore, strong winds create dangerous underwater 27, especially near piers and breakwaters. Things get 28 very quickly once waves reach a height of three feet; in fact, over 85 percent of rescue incidents happen at this wave size. The official advice is simple: "You are no match for the power of these waves. If you want to jump in, wear a life jacket."
Even experienced professionals are 29. Captain Lena Pamali noted that U.S. Coast Guard members who 30 from the Atlantic or Pacific oceans are always shocked by the sheer 31 of the Great Lakes.
"The conditions here are surprisingly 32," Rozenthall laughed. "But hey, at least we still don't have sharks!"
So, the next time you visit these beautiful waters, enjoy the view—but 33 the washing machine!