In a heart-wrenching accident that unfolded this past week, a young woman’s body was recovered from Lake Michigan. What was supposed to be a relaxing swim quickly turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a 20-year-old. Cook County Medical Examiner has identified the deceased as Amy Kelts, a resident of Aurora.

An eyewitness saw Kelts struggling to swim around 8:30 pm on Wednesday before shortly sinking underwater. The Chicago Police Department’s Marine Unit undertook the search and rescue operation off Foster Beach. An unnamed witness claimed that the terrible water conditions made it difficult for the first responders to continue with the search through the night.

Amy Kelt’s tragic accident

As per the report of NBC Chicago, the search operation was resumed again in the morning around 9:00 am. A team of divers scoured the area and after about 40 minutes, authorities were able to recover the body. According to witnesses, the water’s strong current swept Amy away as she was attempting to make her way back to shore.

Angelo Diaz, an eyewitness, said, “I tried to jump in but I don’t know, I didn’t see her after minute. I tried to like catch myself because the waves are too strong and I don’t know if the waves are gonna end up pushing me under so I just got out of the water.” 

Halle Quezada, with the Chicago Alliance for Water Safety, told ABC7. “Whatever skills you have, whatever strength or abilities you have, the lake has more, and you can’t outrun a current, so you have to know drowning survival strategies. Having water safety come through schools and having that repeat messaging that kids get year after year is really what we need to be a water-safe community.” This year so far 6 people have already drowned in Lake Michigan, more than any other Great Lake. 3 of these accidents happened in the past week alone. Even those who are used to water should never underestimate the brutal strength of nature and should always be mindful of their surroundings.

Raising awareness about water safety

Summer is officially here. The most important thing to acknowledge is the official beach timings, which ensure that lifeguards will be on duty in case of any mishap. Swimming in open water requires a thorough knowledge of currents, tides, and local conditions. Taking appropriate safety precautions can go a long way in mitigating risks and avoiding such tragedies in the future.

Read More – “She Wasn’t Breathing”- Lifeguards Fail to Protect Drowning Swimmer at FINA World Championships

Schools should also make water safety teaching mandatory with regular drills, especially for young kids. Amy Kelts’ untimely demise serves as a saddening reminder of the need for caution while enjoying nature.

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