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Beach safety at state parks

water lapping on sandy lakeshore

Beach safety at state parks

Prioritize water and beach safety

To keep you and your loved ones safe all season, many Michigan state parks feature buoyed swim areas and use the Great Lakes flag warning system. Here is what you need to know about these two vital safety systems, along with essential tips to ensure a safe summer:

1) Choose buoyed swim areas at state parks

Buoyed swim areas offer added safety measures and visual cues, helping you stay clear of hidden hazards.  It's important to note that not all state parks offer buoyed swim areas. The placement of the buoys is based on the following:

  • Shallower water, typically less than 5-feet deep.
  • Lower risk of dangerous currents and waves, such as piers and structural currents.

DNR staff inspect and adjust these areas approximately every two weeks to ensure they match changing water conditions.

Swim buoys are typically in place from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. However, colder water temperatures and wind may delay spring installation. When buoys are not present, the area is no longer considered a designated swim area

Due to high winds, dangerous waves and cold water, swimming is not recommended, though the beach remains open.


Because state parks do not have lifeguards, please never swim alone and always keep a close eye on children. We also highly recommend bringing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets—especially for children, new swimmers, and anyone less confident in the water.
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Find state parks with buoyed swim areas. A * indicates it's on a Great Lake.

2) Follow the Great Lakes flag warning system

For added safety, all buoyed swim areas in state parks along the Great Lakes use the beach flag warning system. 

Because lake conditions can shift rapidly, park staff update these flags throughout the day, so check them frequently.

Keep in mind that the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. 

Green flag = low hazard

Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.

Yellow flag = medium hazard

Moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.

Red flag = high hazard

High surf and/or strong currents. It's recommended that you stay on the beach.

Double red flags = water access closed

Do not enter the water, dangerous conditions. Respect the new law (find info below) that prohibits water access and do not enter the water.

If you see double red flags, you cannot enter the water from the beach

If you see double red flags flying, you're not allowed to enter the water from the beach. This is for your safety. While you can still enjoy the beach, keep in mind that these warnings are in place due to serious risks, which may include severe weather events, hazardous waves or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts, water contamination and/or unsafe debris on the shore. These closures may also be communicated through park signs or by DNR staff.

An exception is made for surfers using wind-powered or self-propelled wave-riding boards when they enter at their own risk and follow safety rules. Read Land Use Order 5.1.6 for full details.

Additional safety tips

  • Please be aware that there are no beach guards in state parks. Visitors must swim at their own risk and are asked to always prioritize safety. 
  • Never swim alone.
  • Always keep close watch over children and inexperienced swimmers.
  • Bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
  • If you see someone in trouble, call for help and throw the lifesaving device or anything else that floats. Avoid entering the water if possible and, if you must go, wear a life jacket.
  • Avoid the use of inflatable flotation devices like rafts when winds are blowing offshore.
  • Use caution or avoid the use of recreational flotation devices when strong offshore winds are present.
  • In an emergency, immediately call 911. At Holland and Grand Haven state parks, use the nearest red zone number boards (located on the beach) to help relay your location as accurately as possible.
  • During certain weather conditions, the force of water and waves crashing over the surface can easily wash someone off a structure.
  • Some state parks along the Great Lakes have life jacket loaner stations available.
  • Rip and structural currents, high waves and other dangerous currents and wave conditions can occur along beaches, near the outlets of rivers and near structures such as piers and breakwalls.
  • Check local weather reports and lake conditions before and during your beach trip. Visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/greatlakes/beachhazards.

About dangerous currents

dangerous currents sign

Types of currents

In the Great Lakes, swimmers are most likely to encounter one of five common currents:

  • Rip currents.
  • Structural currents.
  • Channel currents.
  • Longshore currents.
  • Outlet currents (river channel).

Learn about Great Lakes currents »

Flip, Float, Follow diagram

How to escape a current

FLIP OVER ONTO YOUR BACK AND FLOAT

FLOAT:

  • Keep head above water.
  • Calm yourself down from fear and panic; don't panic.
  • Conserve your energy.

FOLLOW: Follow the safest path to safety / out of the water.

  • Do not fight the current.
  • Follow the current to assess which way it's flowing. Swim perpendicular to the flow.
  • Too tired to swim, continue floating and try to signal for help.
picture of current perpendicular to pier in danger zone

Pier safety / structural currents

Piers create furiously strong underwater currents. The currents are called structural currents and can be found alongside structures, such as piers and breakwalls. When paired with others longshore or rip currents, the combination can create a washing machine effect, moving swimmers from one dangerous current area to another with no clear path to safety.

  • Never jump off or swim near piers and breakwalls.
  • If you end up swimming near pier and are trapped, call for help. Call for someone to throw life ring or anything that floats. Get to ladder, if possible.