Watch: Beachgoers form human chains to rescue swimmers

Beachgoers help the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officers form human chains to search for missing people in Lake Michigan. Photos / AP

Beachgoers line up to help rescue people in Lake Michigan.

Authorities say beachgoers formed human chains along the shores of Lake Michigan to rescue swimmers caught in rough water blamed for two drownings over the weekend.

Officials in western Michigan say three other people were hospitalised after being pulled from the lake yesterday.

The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety says people linked arms to reach a 64-year-old man experiencing trouble in the "hazardous wave conditions" around noon.

Jeff Hawke, director of public safety, says the man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Nearly four hours later, the department says a 20-year-old man from Lansing was pulled from the water. He also died.

Hawke says three other people were hospitalised after being rescued, including a 46-year-old man in serious condition.

- AP