Lake Superior’s beauty is one of the things that draws people to the northern edge of the Upper Peninsula. Record numbers of visitors have traveled to the region in recent years to enjoy the beauty of the big lake.

The shores of Lake Superior is also a draw for Northern Michigan University students.

But along with the pull of the lake, there is also a warning.

Local officials say they want NMU students and visitors alike to enjoy the lake, but she must also be respected.

Lake Superior water temperatures are cold as a rule. And cold water — as in 55 degrees or lower — can have severe consequences for the human body, according to the Marquette Police Department.

In fact, cold water drains body heat four times faster than cold air. The change can impact the body’s autonomic functions, such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The simple act of gasping for air can increase a person’s risk for drowning, even among experienced swimmers, officials advise.

The resulting shock and hypothermia can also change the way a person thinks, causing reaction time to slow when facing changing conditions.

In fact, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, a nonprofit corporation that tracks drowning statistics, said more than 1,300 have have drowned in the Great Lakes since 2010, with 36 drowning deaths in the Great Lakes this year; 18 of those were in Lake Michigan. Lake Superior has been responsible for four drowning this year, but there have been increases in drowning incidents during the fall in recent years, especially here in Marquette.

So what can you do if you want to safely swim, boat, or kayak in Lake Superior?

For one thing, MPD says never go out on the water alone and always check the city’s website to see if it’s safe to swim.

The website,www.marquettemi.gov, monitors and flags South Beach, McCarty’s Cove, Middle Beach and Picnic Rocks when rip currents are present.

The Picnic Rocks area is extremely popular, but it can also be one of the most dangerous areas for rip tides. Because of this, the city recommends you avoid swimming in this area, and move down the beach to McCarty’s Cove where a lifeguard is present.

Another popular attraction is Black Rocks at Presque Isle. It is a well-known place for NMU students and many others to jump from the rocks. This is undoubtedly a dangerous activity, especially considering there is no lifeguard patroling the area.

Residents should also avoid the breakwall at Presque Isle Park during high winds, MPD said.

It’s easy to forget the danger that Lake Superior poses. The big lake can lull visitors and even full-time residents into a sense of security.

The best course of action is to watch the weather and heed any of those official warnings. Only by working together can we keep everyone safe.