LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As summer activities come to a close and fall kicks into gear, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding state park visitors to know staff is removing swim buoys, beach warning flags ,and other visual markers at designated swim beaches at state parks along the Great Lakes.

The DNR said as those buoys and flags are removed from a stretch of beach, that location is no longer operated as a designated swim beach. That means swimming is not recommended there, but the beach is still open to the public. Officials urge caution.

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“The reason the buoys and beach flag warning system are taken down after the Labor Day Weekend is because the weather patterns begin to change in September,” said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “September can be unpredictable in terms of high winds and waves and water temperatures, which can often prevent staff from 14-day inspections and removal of the swim buoys.”

Whalen also emphasized that there are several hazards that can exist in the water, such as strong longshore currents, rip currents and submerged objects. In addition, Great Lakes water temperatures can drop dramatically in a short amount of time, so DNR officials say swimmers should be aware of possible hypothermia.

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