1. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks sounds a lot like the other most dangerous lakes: it’s a manmade reservoir, in this case created by a damn on the Osage River. Visitors are often treated to the spectacle of water being drained in torrents from the reservoir side of the dam to adjust the water level after strong rains. The lake is made of hundreds of tiny fingers that extend into the rolling hills, creating countless blind intersections for boaters. Between 1993 and 2003, 33 people were killed in lake accidents — in a total area less than one third of one percent the size of Lake Michigan.
Whether these lakes are polluted or just overcrowded, they’re all part of the 11 deadliest lakes in the United States. But all of this information should be taken with a grain of salt — any lake can be dangerous, and many of these lakes are among the most popular in the nation for tourism and boating fun. Always check your local water conditions before you plan an outing, especially if there has been severe weather in your area. Be careful and mindful as you go boating or swimming in your favorite local lake.
