Officials warn of dangerous Lake Erie conditions, provide update on Edgewater Park water rescue

A 10-year-old girl remains in critical condition after being pulled from the water as officials warn of a high risk of rip currents.

CLEVELAND — The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a beach hazards statement for lakeshore counties from Erie to Ashtabula, warning of a high risk for rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions.

“Wind and wave action will cause currents along the lakeshore. Swimmers should not enter the water. Currents can carry swimmers away from shore through a sand bar and along structures extending out into the lake,” the statement reads.

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Cleveland Division of Fire officials said a rescue at Edgewater Beach Tuesday night underscores the dangers of Lake Erie, where strong currents and undertows can be difficult to see and can quickly overwhelm swimmers.

According to Lt. Mike Norman, three girls were swimming at the dog beach next to Edgewater Park when they were pulled out into the water by the undertow. 

“I guess they were holding hands, trying to fight against the current. There was a gentleman who was walking his dog on the beach,” said Norman. “He actually went into the water and pulled two of the girls out. One of the girls got away from him and was being dragged out. He went in to try to pull her out, and he actually got caught in the undertow and was sucked out to one of the buoys out there.”

Norman said a kite surfer was able to rescue the man, while Cleveland Metroparks police located the 10-year-old girl in the water. 

“I believe she was under for about five minutes,” said Norman. “She was transported by EMS with the support of Cleveland Fire to Metro Hospital. She’s unconscious and in critical condition. They were able to get a return of spontaneous circulation for her, which is the landmark that we’re hoping to get, but at this time it’s sort of touch and go for us.” 

Norman says the rescue serves as a reminder that conditions on Lake Erie can change quickly and should always be taken seriously. 

“The water is dangerous, especially the lake. You know, you’ve got undertow currents underneath the water that you can’t see that are really powerful,” said Norman. “If you’re going to swim in the lake, you want to make sure that the conditions are good for swimming. If it’s undercurrent or [a warning is] in effect, you don’t want to go out into that water.”

He also emphasized the “reach, throw, do not go” rule for people trying to help someone struggling in the water. Going into the water without proper training can create another victim. 

“If you can reach them by throwing a rope to them, reach them with a pole, a branch, something like that, or if you can throw them a flotation device, life a safety ring, whatever you know, something that could keep them afloat, that’s safe to do,” said Norman. 

A spokesperson for Cleveland Metroparks sent 3News the following statement: 

 “Cleveland Metroparks urges everyone to take the current hazardous swimming conditions seriously. Swimming is anticipated to be prohibited throughout the day today at our designated swim beaches along Lake Erie due to large waves and dangerous currents. While the current Beach Hazard Statement is in effect through 4 a.m. tomorrow, conditions can change, and we continuously monitor each swim area to determine when swimming can safely resume.

 “While we consider National Weather Service forecasts, including Beach Hazard Statements and dangerous current risk forecasts, the decision to open or close a swim beach is based on real-time conditions at each location. Today, all three of our guarded beaches will remain closed to swimming until conditions improve.

 “Dangerous currents can quickly overwhelm even the strongest swimmers. We urge everyone to obey posted closures, stay out of the water when swimming is prohibited, and never underestimate the power of Lake Erie. Lifeguards remain on duty during the guarded swim season, even when swimming is prohibited to help keep visitors out of the water. Beaches will remain open while swimming is prohibited.” 

According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a small craft advisory is also in effect until 4 a.m. on Thursday. 

“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions,” reads the advisory.

3News Meteorologist Jessica Van Meter has more on the beach hazard and small craft advisory below: