CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Lifeguards at Edgewater Beach were advising people to stay out of the water due to dangerous rip current conditions, Wednesday afternoon.
The Cleveland Fire Department is urging swimmers to be aware of the risks posed in the water.
Lt. Michael Norman with Cleveland Fire said the ability to swim is the most critical factor in water safety.
“We think the most important thing is swimming — the ability to swim,” Norman said. “We want people to be strong swimmers. That’s the best way to prevent drowning.”
Norman said water poses a risk at all times, not just during severe conditions.
“I think the water is dangerous all the time — you just have to be mindful of it,” Norman said. “A five-gallon bucket full of water is enough for a toddler to tip over and drown in, so any amount of water can be dangerous for people.”
Norman said swimmers should always enter the water where lifeguards are present.
“Make sure that you understand the conditions that are going on underneath the surface of the water,” Norman said. “There could be undercurrents that could pull people away from the shore, like we had last night.”
Norman was referring to the rescue of a 10-year-old girl Tuesday night around 8:15 p.m. at Edgewater Beach.
The girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Norman said if a bystander sees someone go under or struggle in the water, they should keep a close eye on where the person went down to help rescuers locate them.
He offered the following guidance for those who attempt to assist before first responders arrive:
“Reach or throw, but don’t go,” Norman said. “If you can reach them with a pole or throw a rope to them, or throw them a flotation device or something to help them stay afloat — but you don’t want to go in after someone. That could create another victim, unfortunately.”
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.