Beach Safety

Carefully Watch People in Your Group; Learn How to Help Someone Else

Many people have died while trying to rescue others caught in rip currents. Don’t become a victim yourself. The most effective defense against drowning is closely watching people in your party.

Beach Safety

Many public beach areas use color warning flags to alert swimmers of dangerous conditions.

A red flag means that swimmers are in danger of drowning due to rip currents or other hazards. Dangerous currents are often present near structures, regardless of weather conditions.

Tips for Swimers

Rip currents are difficult for even Olympic swimmers. If caught in a rip current:

Water Safety Tips

Signs of Drowning

Drowning may not look like you think. When drowning is portrayed in fictitious situations like movies, it often involves the drowning person splashing and making noise, calling out for help.

However, in most real situations, drowning can be a quiet affair with people nearby not recognizing that a person is in trouble. Learn the signs of drowning, illustrated here.

Signs of Drwoning

The signs of drowning may not be as dramatic as you’ve been led to believe. Graphic courtesy of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Check the Forecast

Check the weather before heading to the beach and pay attention to any warnings that may be posted.

Beach Safety and Dangerous Current awareness is part of a state and regional effort led by Michigan Sea Grant in collaboration with the NOAA-National Weather Service, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Technological University and others. The MDEQ Coastal Management Program supported the development of many educational programs and public outreach products.

Source: NOAA and Michigan Sea Grant