Missing Paddler - Lake Michigan

Posted by derrick on October 30, 2007

This morning the search continues for a paddler who went missing off the coast of Waukegan, IL., on Sunday. The details now are sketchy as usual but apparently a boater saw Walter Doroba paddling earlier in the day and when returning to the harbor, he saw the the kayak about 500 yards off shore. The paddler was missing. The Coast Guard reported finding Dorobra’s life jacket as well. His keys and cellphone were also in the boat. The search has been somewhat hampered by the choppy conditions of the water. Suffice to say Lake Michigan is pretty cold this time of year, and it’s not looking good. See The News Video Here.I’m sure you know what I’ll say next but it’s worth repeating; The Great Lakes need to be taken seriously by paddlers. You must approach them exactly as if you are on the ocean. This time of year a drysuit is a must. You really shouldn’t paddle alone but if you do, having the proper safety & signaling equipment is important. We certainly don’t know the details in this case, but it’s worth taking a moment to remind midwest paddlers that the word “lake” should not lull us into complacency.

* photo: derrick in lake michigan