 Dear Friend,
Our Great Lakes are a beautiful place to spend this Pure Michigan summer. As Michiganders enjoy time at the beach or on the water this summer, I want to share with you some important reminders to stay safe.
Michigan is home to the nation's longest freshwater coastline, over 3,000 miles, and over 100 state parks with access to waterways. That’s why it’s especially important for us to remain diligent about water safety so that Michiganders and visitors alike can enjoy our great state with their friends and family.
I encourage everyone to review the tips below on how to safely enjoy our lakes.
Together, we will stay safe and protect each other during this Pure Michigan summer.
Sincerely,
 Great Lakes Water Safety
As we head to the lakes with our friends and family to swim and boat, let’s take simple steps to keep our loved ones safe.
The Great Lakes are powerful, unpredictable water systems prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmers. 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 break walls.
Watch this Michigan DNR Water Safety Tips Video
When swimming in the Great Lakes:
- Never jump off or swim near our piers.
- Never swim alone.
- Keep a close eye on children when swimming.
- Bring a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, especially for young, new, and inexperienced swimmers.
When boating on the Great Lakes and other waterways:
- Stay sober and alert when operating a vessel.
- Watch out for other boats, swimmers, skiers, and objects in the water.
- Complete an accredited boater safety education program. More information about obtaining the correct credentials can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.
- Have enough life vests for all passengers on the vessel.
- Have all children under the age of six wear a life vest when on an open deck vessel.
How to escape a strong current in the Great Lakes:
If you find yourself in a strong current: FLIP, FLOAT, FOLLOW
1. FLIP
- Flip onto your back to keep your head above water.
2. FLOAT
- Keep your head above water.
- Calm yourself and conserve energy.
- Don’t panic; panicking makes it harder to breathe and think clearly.
3. FOLLOW
- Follow the safest path to safety / out of the water.
- Do not fight the current, follow it.
- Follow the current to assess which way it's flowing. Then, swim perpendicular to escape it.
If you're too tired to swim, keep floating and signal for help. Your goal is to stay calm, stay afloat, and stay alive until help arrives or you’re able to safely reach the shore.
Great Lakes Flag System:
At buoyed swimming areas in state parks, the DNR uses a flag system to indicate water conditions. Knowing what each flag means can help keep you and your family safe this summer.
 If you see double red flags, it means the water is closed to the public; you are not allowed to enter from the beach. Unless otherwise directed, visitors are still welcome to enjoy the sand and shoreline safely from the beach.
Closures/limits can also be identified by park signage and/or by verbal communication from DNR parks or law enforcement staff.
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