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.
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.
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:
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.
These flags are updated by park staff as lake conditions change throughout the day, so check them frequently
Do not enter the water, dangerous conditions. Respect the new law (find info below) that prohibits water access and do not enter the water.
High surf and/or strong currents. It's recommended that you stay on the beach.
Moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.
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.
In the Great Lakes, swimmers are most likely to encounter one of five common currents:
FLIP OVER ONTO YOUR BACK AND FLOAT
FLOAT:
FOLLOW: Follow the safest path to safety / out of the water.
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.
