Search and Rescue operations on the Great Lakes are up from last year.
The pandemic, high water levels, and warm temperatures have all played a role.
The U.S. Coast Guard says there have been 2,093 Search and Rescue missions performed on the Great Lakes this season.
That’s about 280 cases higher than last year.
Karl Willis is with the Coast Guard District 9 out of Cleveland.
He says boating has been a popular way to get outside during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Boat sales are at a record high pace," said Willis. "Sales of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, recreational paddle craft like that are at a record high pace. So there are more people out on the water than ever before.”
Willis also says high water levels on the lakes means stronger currents which can lead to more accidents.