Great Lake Beach Safety

Splash Panel

  • DNR and OGL logos

  • Rip and structural currents, high waves and other dangerous currents and wave conditions can occur in the Great Lakes along beaches, near the outlets of rivers and near structures such as piers and breakwalls.

    According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project data, since 2010, 965 people have drowned in the Great Lakes. In 2020, 56 people drowned in Lake Michigan, making it the deadliest year on record.

    BE INFORMED, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

  • Check Current Great Lakes Swim Risk Levels »

Safety at Great Lakes Beaches

Beach Flag Warning System

  • Many, but not all, state parks on the Great Lakes offer designated swimming areas that are identified by buoys or buoys and markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Check the flag upon arrival and be sure to monitor it throughout the day as conditions can change very quickly. Dangerous currents can occur near the outlets of rivers and breakwalls, especially during times that water levels are higher.

  • Red flag

    Red Flag = STOP
    Stay on the beach, do not enter the water and do not swim

  • Yellow flag

    Yellow Flag = Caution
    Watch for dangerous currents and high waves

  • Green flag

    Green Flag = Go
    Enter the water, but stay aware of changing conditions

Additional safety info

    • Designated swimming areas are identified by buoys or buoys and markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Water depth is inspected approximately every 14 days and underwater obstacles will be posted or marked. You may also find other designated swim areas in areas other than state parks. 
    • Never jump off or swim near piers. Currents near piers can be extremely hazardous. Swimmers should be aware of particularly dangerous structural currents that form along shoreline structures near breakwalls.
    • There are no beach guards at state parks, so please use the buddy system. 
    • State park designated swim areas have lifesaving flotation device and equipment. 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.
    • Never swim alone: Be sure someone else is with you in case of an emergency.
    • During certain weather conditions, the force of water and waves crashing over the surface can easily wash someone off a structure.
    • If there is 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.
    • Keep close watch of children: Stay within arm's reach and have them wear a life jacket.
    • Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution because they will not have the benefit of the beach flag warning system or the visual cautions of buoys that mark water depth and other obstacles.
    • When boating, insist that all aboard wear life jackets, have a float plan, stay alert and carry a cell phone or marine radio. Learn more.
    • Check local weather reports and lake conditions before and during your beach trip. You can learn about Great Lakes swim risk levels at weather.gov/greatlakes/beachhazards (National Weather Service).

Currents and how to escape from them

Types of Currents

dangerous currents sign

  • 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 »

How to escape a current

  • FLIP:Flip, Float, Follow sign

    • Flip over onto your back and float.

    FLOAT:

    • Float to keep your head above water.
    • Float to calm yourself down from the panic and fear of drowning.
    • Float to conserve your energy.

    FOLLOW:

    • Follow the safest path to safety / out of the water.

    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.

Additional Resources