Michigan introduces double red flags to beach warning system: What to know

Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read
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A double red flag warning means beachgoers are not allowed to enter the water.
A double red flag warning means beachgoers are not allowed to enter the water.

After an alarming number of Great Lakes beach drownings last summer, Michigan has updated its flag alert system, adding a new, more serious designation: the double red flags, which goes beyond the single red flag and requires, not just recommends, swimmers to stay out of the water.

The change, the Department of Natural Resources hopes it will help save lives, and is seeking to let vacationers, who are expected to flock to beaches for the Memorial Day weekend, know.

"Many people underestimate the power of the Great Lakes," Ron Olson, the state Department of Natural Resources parks and recreation chief, said, adding that they "don't always understand how quickly even the most experienced swimmer can get into a life-threatening situation and swept away."

In other words, a summer outing to the beach can quickly turn tragic, so be aware of weather and water conditions.

Green, yellow, red system

Before the change, the warning system was color-coded similar to a traffic light:

  • Green flag = low hazard. Go. Calm conditions. Enter the water, but — as always — exercise caution.

  • Yellow flag = medium hazard. Caution. Moderate surf or currents. Watch for high waves.

  • Red flag = high hazard. Stop. High surf and strong currents. It's recommended that you stay on the beach.

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Starting last year, the DNR added a new warning:

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

Warning: drownings are up

Why the worry?

There have been 1,170 Great Lakes drownings since 2010, with 108 of those drownings in 2022 alone, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which tracks drownings across Michigan. The increase from previous years was enough for state officials to call "concerning."

State officials hope that more dire warning will help keep folks from dying.

Dangers are high for kids

Parents should especially heed the warnings because more children, ages 1–4, die from drowning than any other cause, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. And contrary to what many people believe, drownings happen in seconds, are often silent, and can happen to even experienced swimmers.

Other cautions to heed

Experts add that there are other a few more challenges to be alert to and guidelines to follow:

  • There are no beach guards at state parks, so always keep a close watch of children.

  • Never swim alone, and bring U.S. Coast-Guard-approved life jackets for new and inexperienced swimmers.

  • Water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.

  • Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution.

  • Before leaving home for any beach outing, check local weather reports and lake conditions.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan adds double red flags warning at beaches to prevent drownings