To all the teens, 20 somethings and the generally carefree generation, I have something to tell you. You are not invincible.

As many of you enjoy the relaxing summer vacations, beaches and little to no responsibility I want to let you know that this time off is time to grow and mature. Life is short and yes we all want to live life to the fullest, but there are consequences. Lets take this past Fourth of July weekend as an example. As my family and myself were relaxing and enjoying the weather, the sounds of incoming rescue sirens and police were not uncommon in the small resort town of Port Austin in Michigan. However, the location to where they were heading was a sad reminder of how a choice can lead to such devastation and grief.

As we watched the vehicles arrive to the harbor boat launch, we soon realized what had happened. Someone had jumped off the breakwall and thought it would be fun to do. This never ends well. The waters surrounding Michigan are large and most of the time resemble the power and ferocity of the oceans sway. Yet many in the area do not respect or understand this about our lakes. They think a lake is placid, calm and does not contain the same dangers that plague the oceans. This year alone there have already been 28 drowning deaths in the Great Lakes alone.

30 minutes into the arrival of the rescue vehicles, dive team and coast guard, the chances of finding a survivor was slim. 20 minutes later, a young man around the age of 23 was pulled out of the water. The count of drowning deaths is now at 29 and it is sure to rise. He was a healthy man, strong and confident. The decision he made to jump was surely made as something to accomplish and looked fun. However the current, rip tide and whirlpool that exhausted him was too much to handle and brought in a dark cloud of sadness that covered the rest of the week.

The lakes are not to be feared, but they are to be respected. You are not invincible and the waters are not forgiving. Think of that before jumping in as you may be losing more than you have bargained for.