Strong current from power plant water & shallow-to-deep dropoff make for deadly mix in Lake Erie

Despite danger signs posted all around him, a fisherman stood in knee deep water in Avon Lake Friday where seven people drowned in the last 15 years.

 

A 23-year-old man drowned Wednesday while fishing in the same area near the power plant along the Lake Erie shore.

 

The man was fishing on a ledge in a restricted area and backed up and fell into relatively shallow water but was swept under by an extremely strong current.

 

But this strong current was not created by gusty north winds and heavy waves, which sometimes create dangerous rip currents in Lake Erie.

 

While most beach goers and fisherman hang out in the public beach near Avon Lake's Miller Park, some people venture down the beach into a restricted area roped off and seemingly fenced off behind the electric plant.

 

The water there is kept warm by water being discharged from the plant.

 

The warm water attracts fish and entices some swimmers and fisherman despite the danger signs that are posted.

 

The warm shallow water that appears calm on the surface, hides a dangerously strong current created by water being pumped out from the plant. The roped off area in Lake Erie is also hiding another danger.

 

The water also goes from knee deep to very deep suddenly catching people off guard.

 

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka said the city is looking at putting up even more warning signs but said people need to be careful and stay away from the restricted area, which is already marked with signs and ropes.

 

The extreme heat wave is attracting many beach goers and fisherman and Mayor Zilka doesn't want to see another tragedy.

 

Several hundred yards to the west of the power plant near the pier, the public beach in Avon Lake is monitored but there are no lifeguards.

 

Even in that area signs warn swimmers to "swim at your own risk."