“According to the National Weather Service, there were seven fatalities and 14 rescues on the Great Lakes caused at least partially by currents in the water. Lake Michigan had the most incidents as is typically the case. There are a few reasons why Lake Michigan is the most dangerous year after year. First is the combination of highest population and one of the warmer waters. Second is the shape of the lake which makes it conducive to rip currents.This year did not have as many fatalities and rescues as compared to past years. The main reason for this was the colder summer keeping the number of swimmers down.While currents caused by rip tides are dangerous, the most often cited reason for a rescue is structural. Piers and other structures make dangerous currents and create locations for injuries.While the swimming season may be over, another very dangerous time on the Great Lakes is here. Fall is a season I’ve found to be most dangerous, especially on Saginaw Bay. Some duck hunters and fishers take unwise risks just to shoot a duck or catch a fish.”
Recent News
- Tomas Höök signing off as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant director this summer
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant welcomes Stuart Carlton as the program’s new director
- Four Illinois and Indiana educators will set sail on Lake Michigan aboard EPA’s research ship
- Join IISG as a new pollution prevention outreach assistant
- Beach season means it’s time for lifesaving Lake Michigan water safety resources
IISG Instagram
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and connect with fellow educators! Join us for a two-day, water-themed workshop on August 8-9, 2025, at the Dunes Learning Center located in Indiana Dunes National Park. Open to all 5-12th grade formal and non-formal educators, this event offers a chance to explore the natural world, network, and receive exclusive access to the newest Project WET Educator’s Guidebook: Water in Earth Systems.
The registration deadline is July 18th.
Learn more at the link in bio.

📣 Aquaculture Teacher Workshop – June 2025
🗓️ June 26–27, 2025
📍 Purdue University – John S. Wright Forestry Center
🕐 Starts June 26 at 1 PM | Ends June 27 at 4:30 PM
🌿 Optional Pre-Tour: June 26, 10:30–11:30 AM
Explore Aquaculture & Aquaponics in Action!
Perfect for science teachers looking to bring hands-on, real-world STEM into the classroom.
What’s Included:
✔️ Facility tours at Purdue & nearby
✔️ Build-your-own aquaponics system (FREE to take home!)
✔️ Hands-on labs & classroom integration ideas
✔️ $250 stipend for travel or classroom supplies
✔️ Open to formal and non-formal educators
Learn how aquaculture is a powerful tool for engaging students in science, sustainability, and food systems!
Spots are limited – register early!
Learn more at the link in bio.

IISG is hiring a part-time pollution prevention outreach assistant. IISG’s pollution prevention team addresses water quality issues affecting the Great Lakes coasts and the inland waters of Illinois and Indiana, specifically focusing on contaminants of emerging concern like pharmaceuticals, microplastics and marine debris, and PFAS. This outreach assistant will support the pollution prevention team by developing outreach activities and engaging with communities to share that knowledge.
Learn more and apply at the link in bio.

🌞 Enhance Your Summer Programs with Great Lakes Science! 🌞
Calling all summer science and STEM educators! Elevate your summer camps, summer school, or other summer programming with our Loanable Kits. Dive into Great Lakes science and stewardship, and inspire the youth you work with.
🔍 Why Choose Our Loanable Kits?
-Interactive Learning: Engage students with hands-on activities.
-Great Lakes Exploration: Teach the wonders of the Great Lakes.
-Environmental Stewardship: Foster a sense of responsibility and care for our natural resources.
📅 Learn More & Reserve Your Kits at the link in bio.
