Mirror Lake Jump-In
Think before you jump: Mirror Lake 2008
For the past several years, large numbers of students have gathered at Mirror Lake on Thursday night of Beat Michigan Week. Quite a few of them have jumped in the lake.
This is not a university-sponsored or sanctioned event, but university officials recognize that for many students it is an important occasion that builds community and school spirit.
Mirror Lake is not intended for swimming, and certainly not on a frigid winter night. Students who enter the lake do so at their own risk and may be subject to any number of dangers and serious injuries. Here are some points you should consider if you are planning to participate this year.
Alcohol significantly affects judgment and reaction. Not all students choose to drink before the event, and that is a decision that should be respected. The more you have to drink, the greater the chances that you will:
- Injure yourself (last year about 25 students were treated at the emergency department for cuts, sprains and other injuries)
- Magnify the shock effect of cold water (alcohol is not antifreeze, it actually increases the shock to your body).
- Lose valuables, such as cell phones and room keys ($100 cost to replace your residence hall room key).
- Become a victim of sexual violence
Mirror Lake is cold and dirty and the depth varies greatly from one end to the other:
- Never enter head-first
- Never push others into the lake
- Wear shoes
- Get out quickly and dry off. Your body's temperature will quickly drop in temperature and you could develop hypothermia (signs are shivering, slurred speech, fatigue, cold pale skin, abnormally slow breathing)
- Cuts are likely to become infected from the bacteria in the water
Other tips
- Use the buddy system to make sure everyone gets home safely
- Ask a "designated dry person" to hold your valuables if you plan to go in the water
- Obey police orders
- Be careful walking or driving
- Seek medical care if you are hurt or show signs of hyperthermia
Please be safe!