Beach hazard statements have been issued along parts of Lake Michigan. High waves, dangerous currents, and rip currents pose life-threatening risks for swimmers heading to the shoreline this weekend.
Recent alerts follow warnings across all five Great Lakes. Officials told nearly 1 million people to stay out of the water due to dangerous conditions from Lake Superior to Lake Ontario. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Great Lakes Beach Hazards program issues these statements when there is a high swim risk from waves, rip currents, or other threats.
Warnings for Wisconsin and Michigan
New warnings focus on areas in Wisconsin and Michigan. Strong waves and currents are expected to create hazardous swimming conditions through Friday and, in some places, into Saturday.
Officials stress that Great Lakes currents are as dangerous as ocean currents. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) reports that dangerous currents contribute to many drownings. Since 2010, approximately 1,480 drownings occurred in the Great Lakes. This year alone, there have been 65 drownings, with 35 in Lake Michigan.
The warnings come after many beaches’ lifeguard season ended. GLSRP executive director Dave Benjamin stated, “This time of year there are no lifeguards on the beaches across the Great Lakes.”
Impact on Specific Beaches
The NWS has identified specific beaches at risk for dangerous conditions.
- Wisconsin Beach Warnings
- Kewaunee County: Crescent Beach, City of Kewaunee Beach
- Manitowoc County: Point Beach, Neshotah Beach, Red Arrow Beach
- Door County: Rock Island State Beach, Baileys Harbor beaches, Whitefish Dunes Beach
- Michigan Beach Warnings
- Southern Schoolcraft County: Lakeview Park, Seul Choix Point
High waves and dangerous currents are expected from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Officials advise residents and visitors to stay out of the water during this time.
How to Stay Safe
Beach safety experts note many underestimate the Great Lakes. Strong winds across open water can produce powerful waves and currents similar to those on ocean coastlines.
Surviving a Rip Current
Avoid panic when caught in a rip current. Rip currents are strong, narrow channels moving away from the shore. They develop when waves push water toward the beach, with the water flowing back out.
Use the GLSRP’s “Flip, Float, and Follow” strategy:
- Flip onto your back
- Float to conserve energy
- Follow the current to find the safest escape
When possible, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. If escaping isn’t possible, float, conserve energy, and signal for help.
The NWS and safety experts stress staying out of water when beach hazard statements are active. Dangerous currents can form near piers, breakwalls, and open beaches and can overpower even experienced swimmers.
Without lifeguards post-Labor Day and hazardous conditions forecasted, officials urge visitors to check forecasts before visiting and treat beach hazard statements as serious warnings.
Trump Leads GOP Midterm Convention with Strong Message 
Nashville Airport to Honor Dolly Parton with Name Change 
Court Rules Against Federal Order on Coal Plant Operations 
Porter County Plans $7-10.75 Million Storm Cleanup Effort 
The Fight for Continued Support After 25 Years: Victims of 9/11 Seek Congressional Action 
Reflections on 9/11: A Lifelong New Yorker’s Perspective