Lake Michigan draws visitors from all over for its fresh water, beautiful sandy beaches, and opportunities for water activities. However, like all large bodies of water, it presents certain hazards that both locals and visitors should be aware of to ensure a fun and safe experience. Whether you’re swimming, boating, or simply relaxing near the shore, understanding water safety is crucial for protecting yourself and others while enjoying Lake Michigan. Below are four safety topics to review before visiting the beach in South Haven, Michigan.
One of the most significant hazards in Lake Michigan is the presence of rip currents, which are fast-moving channels of water that pull away from the shore. These can occur at any beach, but Lake Michigan’s large waves and sandy shoreline make it particularly susceptible.
What to Know About Rip Currents:
- Identify a Rip Current: Rip currents often appear as areas where waves are breaking less, or there is a noticeable current pulling debris or sand outward.
- What to Do if Caught in a Rip Current: If you’re caught in a rip current, don’t panic. The current will not pull you under but will carry you away from the shore. Rather than trying to swim directly back to shore (which can exhaust even strong swimmers), swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of the current’s grip, and then swim back to the beach once you’re free.
- Rip Current Diagrams: more information here.
Swimming in Lake Michigan can be very different from swimming in a pool or smaller lakes. Its vastness, waves, and cold-water temperatures require extra caution. Although there are no lifeguards at the beaches in South Haven, here are tips to keep you safe:
Key Swimming Tips:
- Do NOT swim by the pier: Safety signs at South Beach and North Beach state to not enter the water within 50 feet of the piers as rip currents may be present.
- Follow the Flag System: Always check beach hazard forecasts before heading out. South Haven uses a beach flag system. Details and live flag forecast can be found here.
• Red Flag - Stay on the beach, do not enter the water and do not swim
• Yellow Flag - Watch for dangerous currents and high waves
• Green - Enter the water but stay aware of changing conditions. - Watch the Weather: Lake Michigan’s conditions can change quickly. Strong winds can create large waves and dangerous swimming conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
- Wear a Life Jacket: Even experienced swimmers can struggle in Lake Michigan’s waves and currents. If you're not a confident swimmer, stay in shallow water where you can stand, and consider wearing a life jacket. There are 13 stations in the city of South Haven that offer free life jacket use through the Life Jacket Loaner program. You can find the locations of the life jacket posts on pages 29-33 in this document here.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, both of which are essential for safe swimming. It’s always best to stay sober while engaging in water activities.
- Always supervise children, even in shallow water as they may lose balance or become overwhelmed by waves.
- Utilize a "Water Watcher" program with your family/group.
- Beware of Sudden Drop-offs: Some parts of the lake have steep drop-offs becoming deep when not expected.
- Stay Within the Buoys: There are buoys present at South Beach, North Beach, and Packard Park to indicate the swim areas.
- Wear a wetsuit in colder water to prevent hyperthermia.
Know Basic Rescue Techniques:
- Float first, then act: If you’re caught in a strong current, float to conserve energy and signal for help.
- Reach, throw, but don’t go: If someone else is in trouble, extend something they can grab, or throw a flotation device. Avoid entering the water yourself unless trained in rescue.
- There are life saving devices located on the piers at South Beach and North Beach.
- Blue emergency call towers are located on South Beach and North Beach.
- Call 911 if you suspect someone in the water is drowning.
Boating and water sports are popular activities on Lake Michigan, but they come with their own set of safety concerns.
Boating Safety Tips:
- Wear Life Jackets: All passengers should wear life jackets, even experienced swimmers. Lake Michigan's waves can easily tip small boats or cause falls overboard, and life jackets can save lives in these situations.
- Know the Boating Laws: Before heading out, familiarize yourself with local boating regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones, and age restrictions for operating boats. The State of Michigan boating rules and regulations are here.
- Monitor the Weather: Storms on Lake Michigan can be sudden and severe, producing high winds, large waves, and poor visibility. Always check weather conditions and be prepared to head to shore at the first sign of worsening weather.
- File a Float Plan: Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. In the event of an emergency, this information can be crucial for search and rescue teams.
Winter on Lake Michigan can be beautiful, but water safety is especially important as conditions can be more dangerous due to extreme cold, icy surfaces, and high winds.
- Beware of Ice Formations: Ice on Lake Michigan is rarely safe due to the lake’s constant movement, even if it appears solid.
- Avoid Shore Ice: Ice along the shore, including "ice shelves" can collapse into the lake. The water beneath is often frigid and turbulent, making rescue difficult. Never climb "ice volcanoes." More on these ice formations here.
- Stay Away from Piers: Harsh waves may spill across the pier and pull you in. They may become slippery with ice and falling into the water could be deadly.
*South Haven has several public beaches (click here to read more about them) that are beautiful all year long. Nonetheless, even experienced swimmers should practice caution and respect the lake’s conditions to stay safe. An alternative beach day can be found at Lake Arvesta Farms, which often has special promotions on red flag days at the lake, and typically has lifeguards on duty (read our review here).
*The City of South Haven's complete beach safety program can be found here.
*View the South Beach Live Cam here.
*Book a luxury property in South Haven here.
