During this time of year, the lakefront in Chicago can be quite delightful; however, those who venture out onto the water, whether on a boat or a jet ski, are cautioned to be ready for the worst possible scenario.
On the occasion of Father’s Day, a father and his teenage sons were out on a jet ski ride when they encountered a potentially hazardous situation in Lake Michigan.
A father and his two sons were seen in the water after the jet ski flipped over, as captured on video.
At the mouth of the harbor, Kevin Foote and his friends were on their way back to Belmont Harbor on a boat when they came across the jet skiers who were obviously in a precarious situation.
According to Foote, “It’s a pretty dangerous spot.” “It’s the high-traffic spot where everybody’s going in and out of the harbor — and as I mentioned before, you know, once that jet ski is flipped over and once a person is floating in the water, you’re pretty darn low to the water.”
Foote explained that when such circumstances are present, it becomes more difficult for individuals who are entering the mouth of the harbor to see other watercraft when they are entering the mouth.
Therefore, Foote and his friends made the decision to assist, but they did not involve themselves in the situation.
“The only thing worse about having somebody in the water is having somebody else in the water,” Foote stated to reporters.
It is safe to say that Foote and his crew are skilled sailors because they are participants in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. After preventing other boaters from colliding with the jet skiers, they allowed the jet skiers to board their boat and then assisted them in doing so.
“By the time they got out of the water, they were cold,” according to Foote, “and you know, flipping one of those things and being in the water is a lot of effort.”
Foote notes that the jet skiers were ready to go while the members of the yacht club were assisting the father and his sons. They all wore life vests at all times.
“You’ve got to make sure it fits, that it’s comfortable, that you’ll actually wear it,” Foote informed the audience.
The safety of those who visit Lake Michigan must continue to be a top priority, even as the number of visitors increases.
In 2024, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reported that there were 51 people who drowned in Lake Michigan.
In the current year, there have already been nine accidents.
“I think it also is a great reminder of just what’s in your control and what’s not in your control,” according to Foote.
It was reported by Foote that the father and sons were shaken, but they were extremely grateful for the assistance. Everyone was able to escape without injury in this particular instance; however, it is important to note that this is not always the case.
