'Don't go in the water': Michigan DNR adds double red flag to warning system at nearly 30 state parks along Great Lakes

(WWJ) – As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and Michiganders and tourists alike prepare to hit the beaches this summer season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a change to its Great Lakes flag warning system.

To “help boost awareness of changing conditions at Great Lakes beaches and save lives,” the DNR announced Tuesday “double red warning flags” are now in place at state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks.

The double red flags mean water access is closed and you should not enter due to dangerous conditions. It’s the most severe level of the flag system the DNR began integrating in 2022.

"We actively reevaluate our safety measures and public education efforts, especially when it comes to Great Lakes safety," DNR Parks and Recreation chief Ron Olson said in a statement. "Many people underestimate the power of the Great Lakes and don't always understand how quickly even the most experienced swimmer can get into a life-threatening situation and swept away.”

The increase in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years has prompted the DNR to increase public safety education.

There have been at least 1,170 drownings on the Great Lakes since 2010, with 108 of those drownings in 2022 alone, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which tracks drownings across Michigan.

What do the flags mean?

The Great Lakes flag warning system is in place at state-designated swim beaches to advise visitors of current water conditions and any applicable environmental warnings. The updated system now includes:

• Double red flag = water access closed**. Do not enter the water; dangerous conditions.

• 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.

State-designated swim beaches are identified by marked swim buoys, water depth of less than 5 feet at the time of buoy installation, available life-saving flotation device and equipment, and (only at Great Lakes beaches, not inland beaches) the Great Lakes flag warning system.

While double red flags mean you are not allowed to enter the water from the beach, visitors can still enjoy the beach while they’re flying, unless otherwise directed.

Officials began rolling out the flag warning system last year, but Pat Whalen, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, says this year, all equipment is in place, and the system has been rolled out to all state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in nearly 30 state parks.

Specifically, DNR Land Use Order 5.1.6 makes it illegal to enter the water from a state-designated swim beach when there is risk to human health and safety. Risks can include severe weather events identified by the National Weather Service, hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts, and environmental hazards.

More information on the flag warning system and water safety can be found on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.

Related

20-foot waves seen on 4 of the 5 Great Lakes during winter storm [VIDEO]