Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant combines research, education, and outreach to empower southern Lake Michigan communities to secure a healthy environment and economy.
The deciduous corridor of the great lakes and st-laurence valley is one of richest in terms of biodiversity of non-mammalian species in Canada. It is also one of the most threatened due to human activity. What little forests that are left are heavily segmented by roads, farms and habitation. Habitat preservation doesn't seem to be a priority here and without a serious about face, most of the unique species will be extinct within the next 50 years. Thank you for your presentation.
A Real-World Experience at Indiana Dunes West Beach: A Cautionary Tale Visiting the beach with my wife and our four young children, ages 8, 7, 3, and 1, we sought a day of relaxation at West Beach. Upon arrival, the gate attendant informed us that entering the water beyond knee-deep was prohibited. Accepting these rules, we paid the $25 entrance fee. Once on the beach, our experience took an unexpected turn. Two lifeguards, seemingly more interested in joyriding on their dune buggy than ensuring beachgoers’ safety, sped up and down the sand, coming dangerously close to our one-year-old child. Naturally, my wife was alarmed and expressed her concerns to the young lifeguard, who, despite the potential for serious injury, did not seem inclined to communicate or use any means to ensure the safety of those in his care. As the father, I stationed myself at the water's edge to prevent our children from venturing too far into the water. On occasion, this meant I found myself knee-deep, precisely within the limits provided by the attendant. My wife, preoccupied with our youngest, never entered the water. To our shock, the lifeguards summoned two heavily armed park rangers, Officers Frazier and Frase. We were detained for supposedly swimming and ignoring lifeguard instructions-allegations that are both unfounded and absurd. Our children, understandably frightened by the sudden separation from their parents, are still affected by the incident. After this ordeal, we were issued two citations, both of which are based on fabrications. Multiple beachgoers have since come forward, offering video evidence and testimony that corroborate the unreasonable nature of the situation. I have initiated a FOIA request for the bodycam footage and secured legal representation to address this matter. In conclusion, I would caution anyone considering a visit to West Beach. The unprofessionalism exhibited by the lifeguards and the subsequent heavy-handed response from law enforcement suggest that safety and customer service are not priorities at this location. Ironically, the very actions of the lifeguards, who appear ill-prepared to handle emergencies, may contribute to the unfortunate drownings they are supposed to prevent.
A Real-World Experience at Indiana Dunes West Beach: A Cautionary Tale Visiting the beach with my wife and our four young children, ages 8, 7, 3, and 1, we sought a day of relaxation at West Beach. Upon arrival, the gate attendant informed us that entering the water beyond knee-deep was prohibited. Accepting these rules, we paid the $25 entrance fee. Once on the beach, our experience took an unexpected turn. Two lifeguards, seemingly more interested in joyriding on their dune buggy than ensuring beachgoers’ safety, sped up and down the sand, coming dangerously close to our one-year-old child. Naturally, my wife was alarmed and expressed her concerns to the young lifeguard, who, despite the potential for serious injury, did not seem inclined to communicate or use any means to ensure the safety of those in his care. As the father, I stationed myself at the water's edge to prevent our children from venturing too far into the water. On occasion, this meant I found myself knee-deep, precisely within the limits provided by the attendant. My wife, preoccupied with our youngest, never entered the water. To our shock, the lifeguards summoned two heavily armed park rangers, Officers Frazier and Frase. We were detained for supposedly swimming and ignoring lifeguard instructions-allegations that are both unfounded and absurd. Our children, understandably frightened by the sudden separation from their parents, are still affected by the incident. After this ordeal, we were issued two citations, both of which are based on fabrications. Multiple beachgoers have since come forward, offering video evidence and testimony that corroborate the unreasonable nature of the situation. I have initiated a FOIA request for the bodycam footage and secured legal representation to address this matter. In conclusion, I would caution anyone considering a visit to West Beach. The unprofessionalism exhibited by the lifeguards and the subsequent heavy-handed response from law enforcement suggest that safety and customer service are not priorities at this location. Ironically, the very actions of the lifeguards, who appear ill-prepared to handle emergencies, may contribute to the unfortunate drownings they are supposed to prevent.
Excellent video. This video somehow needs to be on a loop at every NWI beach. There are just too many people that just have no idea and it doesn’t always end well. We go to the state park multiple times a week, throughout the whole year. I’ve warned so many people about shelf ice and only a handful have actually listened. The swimming during beach advisories is horrifying. Yes, it may impact your “beach day.” But your life is more important. There are more regulations at the Portage Lakefront, next needs to be Kemil.
I see parents throw some floaties on their kids and leave them to play in the lake alone. Then there was the guy whose 7-year-old was in her own kayak. Flipped right over.
Thank you for this great presentation.There is a lot of research, efforts and time spent for this informative video. I hope people will act through the right way for mother earth.
I've lived near the Great Lakes all of my life, more than seventy years. I learned so much from this short video in a matter of minutes; I know I will be changing some of the ways my family members approach a day at the beach. Ocean swimmers, if you are considering a trip to the Great Lakes area, learn how dangerously different the Great Lakes can be, even for a strong swimmer. Thanks to those who connected me with this video and thank you to all who helped to produce this excellent film.
Wow! This is actually pretty cool. Bass are a very good/ tasty underrated eating fish. No red gamie tasting meat and it is very clean. I wonder how many times that i've eaten it in a restaurant now after seeing this lol.... Thanks for setting the record straight on Largemouth when it comes to them being a great eating quality fish. Keep this up man!!! I love it!!
Interesting that you mention Portugal, im Portuguese and im looking at fish farming LMB here in Portugal, there seems to be no official market or oficial fish farmers here, im curious in finding out what makes them not going forward with it...
I would think that the largemouth and smallmouth bass would clean the crayfish up. That's one of their main food sources. Someone has probably used the crayfish for bait and tossed the rest of their bait into the water. People don't think about the consequences of doing something dumb like this. Just my opinion. Same goes for minnows.
Hello, I am looking for a job opportunity in America or Canada in the field of fish farming. I have more than 15 years of experience in the field of fish farming. Do I have a job opportunity in this field? All thanks and appreciation
Hello, I am looking for a job opportunity in America or Canada in the field of fish farming. I have more than 15 years of experience. Do you have an opportunity? Thank you.
Hello, I am looking for a job opportunity in America or Canada in the field of fish farming. I have more than 15 years of experience in the field of fish farming. Do I have a job opportunity in this field? All thanks and appreciation
sounds good. its unfortunate that people dont have as much land as they once did and so dogs and cats and fish and pets are becoming left for a faster computer and bigger screen.....
