As the spring sun begins to slowly warm Northern Michigan, Paddle Antrim is joining organizations across the country to recognize May as National Water Safety Month. While the air may be starting to warm, Paddle Antrim is issuing a critical reminder: water levels on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and surrounding waterways are unseasonably high, and water temperatures remain life-threateningly cold.
Current data shows that Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding inland lakes are hovering below 40°F. Water at these temperatures can trigger immediate cold water shock, making it nearly impossible for even a strong swimmer to stay afloat or self-rescue without a life jacket.
To help local youth understand these risks in a memorable way, Paddle Antrim recently collaborated with YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps for a workshop with Northern Michigan middle schoolers.
The students spent the day learning what it takes to stay safe and stay afloat on our local waterways. The highlight of the event was a creative team-building challenge: students worked in groups to design and build boats made entirely of cardboard. The goal was simple but difficult—create a craft sturdy enough to hold a person and float on the open water.
The students took their “boats” to the shores of Torch Lake to put their designs to the test with the help of Paddle Antrim. To ensure safety, certified paddlers with Paddle Antrim donned drysuits and life jackets to pilot the cardboard boats. Students cheered them on from the safety of shore.
While many of the boats successfully held their paddlers, the exercise provided a sobering reality check. Even with the protection of heavy-duty drysuits, the safety paddlers reported that the water was “very, very cold.” This served as a powerful lesson for the students: if a professional in a drysuit feels the bite of the 40-degree water, an unprotected person in a capsize would be in immediate danger.
“We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful waterways, but safety must come first,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director. “No one plans to capsize, but it happens. Seeing the students get excited about how boats float was wonderful, but the real takeaway was our paddlers’ experience on Torch Lake. It drives home the point that you must always dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.”
The Statistics: Why Safety Gear Matters
The importance of these lessons is backed by the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics:
- 26% of all boating fatalities occurred during paddling activities (kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding).
- 79% of those fatalities were due to drowning.
- 87% of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.
Five Ways to Stay Safe This Spring:
- Always Wear Your Life Jacket: It is the single most important tool for survival.
- Dress for the Water: When water is below 70°F, a wetsuit or drysuit is recommended.
- Expect High Water: The Chain of Lakes is currently very high; watch for swifter currents and hidden debris.
- Never Paddle Alone: Paddle with a friend and always tell someone your route and when you plan to be back.
- Carry Communication: Keep a cell phone or VHF radio in a waterproof bag.
For more information on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and spring safety tips, visit