
As summer heats up and we all look forward to basking in the sun, many of us are drawn to the shimmering allure of America’s lakes, rivers, and coastlines. But beware—beneath those inviting waves, danger lurks. Before you grab your swimsuit and head out for a refreshing dip, it’s important to know about the hidden perils of some of the country’s most treacherous waters. Here are the five most deadly bodies of water in America.
Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan might be the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. and seem like a picture-perfect haven, but its charm hides a dangerous secret. Its unique shape features two long north-south shorelines that create powerful rip currents and longshore currents. These strong currents can easily pull swimmers away from the shore, making it tough for them to return.
Colorado River

Known as the sixth largest river in the U.S., the Colorado River is notorious for being a watery deathtrap. Thousands of cubic feet of water surge through its canyon every second, forming massive eddies and rapids. Additionally, the Colorado River is one of the most polluted waterways in the country, with high elevations of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks is the biggest man-made lake in the U.S. However, boats here have no size or horsepower limits, so boating accidents are all too common. Add to that the party vibes and people zooming around at 50-80 mph, and you’ve got quite the chaotic scene. As if that’s not enough, venomous snakes like timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads can bite underwater.
Lake Erie

Due to its shallow depth, Lake Erie is the warmest of the Great Lakes and is a favorite spot for summer fun and migrating birds. But swimmers, take note! The currents here can be quite tricky. Any current over 2 mph is dangerous, and some can even reach speeds over 5 mph, faster than an Olympic swimmer. These powerful currents can quickly pull swimmers away from the shore.
Jacob’s Well, Texas

Jacob’s Well in Texas is a breathtaking, crystal-clear spring that’s both inviting and dangerous. So, what makes it so risky? This sinkhole holds an underwater cave system that’s 140 feet deep and stretches over 4,300 feet, all fed by an artesian spring. The real danger lies in the narrow passageways where divers often have to remove their tanks to squeeze through.