Beach Safety

Stay off the ice and beware of shelf ice. 

Although shelf ice appears solid, it provides only a false sense of security. Shelf ice forms when breaking waves and spray freeze in frigid air temperatures, creating irregularly patterned ice full of cracks, crevices, and holes. Shelf ice is an unstable formation that builds from the beach out to the lake, without freezing to the lake bottom. Due to the nature of its structure and fluctuating temperatures above and below freezing, shelf ice is unpredictable and unsafe to step on.

Occasionally weak points at the peaks of icy mounds along the ice shelf can lead to the formation of something often referred to as ice volcanoes. Water splashes up through the weak point, causing a spray through the mound’s peak, similar to an erupting volcano.

Shelf ice is not a continuous sheet. Thinned or weakened areas may be hidden, and the ice can collapse like a trapdoor leading to a plunge into icy waters. Entering the water, your body goes into shock, and the nature of the ice makes it difficult to remove yourself. Hypothermia begins in a matter of minutes. Wave action and fragile ice obstructs rescue potential. Death is likely.

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and at hat when outdoors – even in cloudy weather.
• Be mindful of heat hazard: drink plenty of water, seek shade as needed, and take other steps to prevent heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses.

• Always assess the current and future weather conditions before planning a visit to the beach.
• Assess the water conditions.
• Be observant of the colored flag posted at the beach. Red is Closed.  Green is Open.

• Exit the water immediately if poor weather arrives.
• Seek shelter.

• Swimming is only allowed at beaches where lifeguards are on duty (Tower & Maple Beaches.) Swim only in the swim zone within the buoys. 
• Swimming is not allowed at Lloyd Beach.
• Always swim with a friend or family member. Never swim alone.
• Always make yourself visible to others at all times.
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.

• Waves and lake conditions can make the water cloudy or opaque. Always check for rocks or other obstructions.
• Enter the water feet first. Do not dive or jump into Lake Michigan – this includes from boats, piers, rocks, and other watercraft.
• Never assume water depth or conditions, as Lake Michigan can change season to season, week to week, day to day, and even hour to hour.

• Always wear a lifejacket.
• Have a spotter if pulling a tube or skier.
• Never swim around a boat that has the engine running.
• Never jump off a boat into unknown waters.

• Immediately call 911.
• Reach for person who needs help only if you can do so.
• Throw a life ring into the water. Do not jump into water.  Keep eyes on the person.
• Stay on site until rescue personnel arrive.

American Red Cross             

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project