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September 17, 2025
As the weather cools and the days shorten, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues the process of removing swim buoys and the Great Lakes flag system from many state park beaches.
Once buoys are removed – a process that always starts after Labor Day – the area is no longer considered a designated swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended, and beachgoers are urged to pay keen attention to weather and water conditions.
Swim buoys help mark the boundaries of swim areas, which are established to help identify locations with shallower water (less than 5 feet) and lower risks of dangerous currents and waves. DNR staff inspects these buoyed areas approximately every two weeks and adjusts them as needed to maximize safety.
On-shore rescue equipment and safety signage will remain along those sections of shoreline through at least Oct. 1. Additionally, the emergency notification system at Grand Haven State Park will remain active, automatically notifying 911 when a life ring is pulled or the "call for help" button is pushed.
"Due to high winds, waves and rapidly changing water temperatures during the off-season, buoys are typically installed before Memorial Day weekend and removed after Labor Day," said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “The flag system is also removed until the buoyed swim areas are established the next season.”
Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety for tips and information on safely visiting the Great Lakes, including buoyed swim beach locations, the beach flag warning system, Great Lakes currents (and how to escape them) and more.
For more information, contact the DNR's Pat Whalen at 269-838-1196 or WhalenP1@Michigan.gov.
An accompanying photo is available below for download.
