All designated state park swim areas (in addition to many others) located on the Great Lakes use a beach flag warning system: Check the flag upon arrival and be sure to monitor it throughout the day as conditions can change very quickly. Only state park beaches are guaranteed to have a flag system at designated swim areas. Be aware that current high-water conditions can cause stronger currents, especially around river outlets and piers.
Red Flag = STOP
Stay on the beach, do not enter the water and do not swim
Yellow Flag = Caution
Watch for dangerous currents and high waves
Green Flag = Go
Enter the water, but stay aware of changing conditions
In the Great Lakes, swimmers are most likely to encounter one of five common currents:
Never swim against a current. If you are in a dangerous current, assess which way it is pulling you. Then swim perpendicular to the currents flow until you are out of it and then swim toward shore. If you are too tired to swim to shore, continue to float and signal someone on shore for help. Also, the waves may eventually bring you back to shore.
Beach safety signs tailored to Great Lakes-specific hazards, including rip currents, river outlet currents and structural currents have been created and are available to communities.