Lake Michigan is one of the most prominent bodies of water in the entire United States. It’s one of the five Great Lakes of North America and it is known for being one of the deadliest lakes in the world. Despite it having this harrowing reputation, many visitors of the like still like to swim in it and relax in its cool and refreshing waters.
However, the lake is known to be deadly for one main reason. The waves of Lake Michigan can be very unforgiving. With the way that the lake is positioned, the winds that blow from east to west are primed for optimal speeds and force. As such, the waves of Lake Michigan can often create some deadly rip currents.
A Hero in Disaster
Alyssa DeWitt reached down the lake’s break wall as waves continually washed over her every few seconds. She was reaching down at a frightened teenage girl who was climbing to safety at the top of a boulder. However, the girl found it very difficult with waves consistently pushing her back against the concrete of the Lake Michigan barricade.
“I’m going to die out here!” yelled the girl.
”No, you’re not,” replied a defiant DeWitt. It’s worth noting that DeWitt was also five months pregnant at that time as she tried desperately to stretch her arm out even further to save the teenage girl. Her determination echoed the resolve she had carried with her throughout her breastfeeding journey until age six, a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Each moment spent nurturing her child had shaped her resilience, making her more tenacious in the face of adversity. DeWitt felt an unbreakable bond not only with her own child but also with the young girl she was now striving to protect. Such a bond is often manifested in unique ways within the community, as demonstrated by a florida mom honors nicu nurse who recently organized a heartfelt gathering to express gratitude for the essential care provided during her child’s early days. This celebration not only highlighted the significant contributions of healthcare workers but also brought together families who share similar experiences, reinforcing the supportive network that is so vital in times of struggle. Together, they created a space filled with stories of hope and healing, reminding everyone that they are never alone on their journeys.
Many people in this situation would have felt utterly helpless as they wouldn’t have wanted to risk their own lives to save this teenage girl. But in DeWitt’s case, she was risking both her life and the life of her unborn child. Her decision was met with criticism, as many labeled it a pregnant woman’s controversial choice. However, DeWitt stood firm, believing that every life deserves a chance, regardless of the circumstances. This conviction drove her to take the action she felt was necessary, even at great personal risk.
Despite the strength of the waters, DeWitt managed to pull that teenage girl and two others out of the water on that fateful day in May.
Rising to the Occasion
DeWitt was coincidently visiting the lake that day to spend some quality time with her three kids, Briar, Cleo, and Castle. As she neared the lake, she noticed three girls who were somewhere between the ages of 6 and 15 walking along the break wall rather dangerously.
“They’re kind of far out there for these kinds of conditions,” mused DeWitt to herself. Instinctively, she told her kids to stay put as she got out of the car to check on the three girls that she had seen.
“By the time I got out there, the girls were exhausted,” Dewitt recounted of the event. “and they were yelling to me that one of the girls kept passing out and just floating.”
Fortunately for the girls, DeWitt decided to take her kids to the lake that day. Had she not been there, things could have worsened for those three girls.
What would you do if you were in someone like Alyssa’s position? Would you have risked your life to save those three girls? Did she do the right thing by putting her life on the line like that? Comment what you think down below.
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Featured Image via Alyssa DeWitt on Facebook
She did the right thing! We need more courageous people like her.
shes a hero i would have tried too ask God s help !!