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Beach safety

water lapping on sandy lakeshore

Beach safety

Prioritize water and beach safety

For safer swimming, choose buoyed swim areas at state parks. These areas are marked with buoys to provide visual cues and added safety, helping you avoid potentially hazardous locations. Note that not all state parks offer these areas, which can be found on both the Great Lakes and inland lakes.

Since there are no lifeguards at state park beaches, never swim alone and always supervise children closely. It's also highly recommended to bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.

For added safety, all buoyed swim areas on the Great Lakes use a beach flag warning system.

Safety on the Great Lakes

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

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.

The Great Lakes flag warning system is also in place in buoyed swim areas in state parks along the Great Lakes.

Check current swim risk »

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Find state parks with buoyed swim areas. A * indicates it's on a Great Lake.

Buoyed swim area benefits

Buoys are used to mark the boundaries of designated swimming areas. DNR staff inspect and adjust these buoys every two weeks. The placement of the buoys is based on the following criteria:

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

Swim buoys are in the water from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. After the buoys are removed, 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.

Understanding the Great Lakes flag warning system

These flags are updated by park staff as lake conditions change throughout the day, so check them frequently

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.

Red flag = high hazard

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

Yellow flag = medium hazard

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

Green flag = low hazard

Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.

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

  • Never swim alone, always keep close watch over children and bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
  • Keep close watch of children: Stay within arm's reach and have them wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • 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.
  • 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.