Purdue research helps cut Great Lakes deaths

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University analysis of drowning and boating death patterns on the Great Lakes played a role in the Coast Guard’s successful efforts this summer to cut deaths on the lakes.

The Coast Guard intensified its public service campaigns and death-prevention planning after deaths on the five lakes soared 82 percent last year to 164.

Purdue scientists analyzed last year’s death patterns, pinpointing areas where deaths often occurred. They also calculated what time of day, week and month deaths were more likely to happen and turned that data over to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Capt. Eric Vogelbacher says Purdue’s analysis showing high-risk areas for deaths helped the agency this summer cut the number of deaths by more than a third to 104.