Many state parks, but not all, offer swim areas identified by buoys or markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Check current swim risk » Great Lakes flag warning system at buoyed swim areas in state parks

Jul 3, 2024 · The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ flag warning system is a great way to do that. You’ll find these flags at every state park with a swimming area along the Great Lakes.

Jul 4, 2022 · A water safety group says the flag system that warns swimmers of dangerous conditions is being misused at most Lake Michigan beaches. Dave Benjamin is with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. He said cities and state parks often put a yellow or red flag up when it should be green, for example.

Jul 18, 2023 · Red Flag = High Hazard. High surf and/or strong currents. It's recommended that you stay on the beach. Yellow Flag = Medium Hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves. Green flag = Low Hazard. Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.

A GRAY FLAG appearing on a map indicates that either no information is available, conditions are not being monitored (9pm-9am), or the Beach Safety Program is out-of-season (Sept. 15 - May 15). A GREEN/OPEN GATE indicates a pier is open to the public.

May 30, 2024 · In addition to local municipalities Michigan state parks use a color-coded flag warning system to advise potential swimmers of current water conditions.The system is meant to keep swimmers safe. Learn their colors, and in some cases, their consequences.

May 23, 2023 · Double red flags means swimming is closed and visitors are not allowed to enter the water from the beach, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR...

Some coastal stations may display flags, pennants and colored lights to warn mariners of hazardous conditions. Here is what the signals mean. Below the signals are definitions of watches, warnings and advisories.

May 25, 2023 · Double Red Flag means water access is closed. A new law prohibits water access when these two flags are flying together. Think dangerous rip currents/conditions, a rescue in progress or water contamination. Red Flag (single) means water is very rough, high hazard.

Detailed information about marine weather watches, advisories, and warnings can be found here. Coastal warning display (CWD) flags and signals. Note: Not all coastal locations fly these flags. NWS retired its coastal warning display program in 1989 but in 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard re-established the CWD program at selected small boat stations.