For safer swimming, choose buoyed swim areas at state parks. These areas offer added safety measures and visual cues, helping swimmers avoid potentially hazardous locations such as piers with structural currents. Please note that not all state parks offer buoyed swim areas.

Other tips:

• Check beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags mean water access closed, red flag means high hazard, yellow flag means medium hazard and green flag means low hazard). These flags are updated by park staff as lake conditions change throughout the day; check them frequently. By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
• Never swim alone, especially children.
• Avoid using rafts or other inflatable flotation devices when winds are blowing offshore.
• Keep close watch on children and less experienced swimmers: Stay within arm's reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take frequent breaks.
• Be aware of water temperatures and weather warnings.
• Remember that water currents near piers, breakwalls and river outlets can be extremely hazardous.

Find information on buoyed swim area locations, the Great Lakes flag warning system, current awareness and escape strategies and more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.

Questions? Contact Pat Whalen at 269-838-1196.