The water temperature in Lake Michigan is still in the 40s. Lights,
flotation gear, all useless except to help them find your frozen body
unless your flotation device is a raft with a cover.

When I fly east IFR out of Gary airport, ATC usually sends me out 040,
which puts me about 10 miles off shore while still climbing. I always
hope that if a problem develops I'll have time to head for shore.