MICHIGAN - 10 people were swept off piers into Lake Michigan on Sunday, adding to an already busy season for the U.S. Coast Guard.

The popularity in paddle craft - and some of those paddlers being unprepared for Mother Nature's wave action - is also spurring the need for more Coast Guard rescues on the Great Lakes.

Paddle craft, combined with warm and windy conditions on the Great Lakes this summer, have led to numerous rescues. In the past 30 days, there have been 27 cases involving paddle craft needing the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, staff said.

Paddle craft include kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.

Ensign Zach Hall, based with the U.S. Coast Guard-Milwaukee, said 80 percent of the rescue cases lately have been due to people capsizing or going overboard. About half of those cases have been with non-motorized water craft, such as paddle craft.

Hall says 90 percent of the rescues involved people not wearing life jackets.

On Sunday, July 17, 10 people were rescued from Lake Michigan waters after being swept off piers by high waves, including one in Grand Haven.

Hall said some of those people were taking pictures and unaware of high waves coming over the piers.

The year's higher Great Lakes water levels make it easier for waves to crash over piers.

Hall advises, "The power of the water on the Great Lakes needs to be respected as much as the oceans."

Keith Kompoltowitz, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, says Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have risen 4 feet in the last three and a half years.

Thursday, July 21, 2016 wind forecast shows 20 mph winds from the southwest at Lake Michigan beaches. This will produce two to five foot waves and dangerous currents.

Dangerous water conditions later this week

Later this week could produce dangerous water conditions again. A combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will make everyone want to get in the water.

The hot temperatures will be blown in on a stiff southwest to west wind. It's that wind direction that produces dangerous rip currents and high waves at many west Michigan beaches.

High temperatures Thursday, July 21, 2016, will be in the 90s at most Michigan locations.

Hall cautions people to be aware of what they are getting into on the Great Lakes, and always wear a life jacket when enjoying paddle craft. If you don't have a life jacket on, stay 25 feet away from the water. This distance will protect you from surprise higher waves.

So find a life jacket for you and your family members before late week. You will want to jump in a Great Lake then.

Any questions or comments, please post below.

MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has been forecasting Michigan weather for more than 25 years. He's been chief meteorologist at three television news stations in Michigan, and he's an avid gardener and hunter. Email him at mtorregr@mlive.com and find him on Facebook at facebook.com/mark.torregrossa and Twitter @weathermanmark