7/6/23 - Two Drownings In West Michigan

Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:16 AM

Crews were sent out after two people drowned on Wednesday. One in Lake Michigan, the other in Lake Macatawa.

-The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office responded following a report of a drowning in Lake Michigan near the Village of Arcadia. A 23-year-old man from Ohio was swimming with his family Wednesday morning when he began to struggle in the water. The man's family tried to help but was not able to reach him before he went under. CPR was given but he passed away and pronounced day at Munson Manistee Hospital.

-A 63-year-old Holland man drowned on Wednesday in Lake Macatawa in Holland. Authorities say a pontoon boat was pulling some children on a tube on the south side of the lake near Kollen Park. The children, who were wearing life jackets, fell off and began drifting away from the tube. A woman and man on the pontoon boat went into the water to help. The woman returned to the boat but the man started to struggle and went underwater and failed to resurface. A person on a Jet Ski helped the children back to the boat. The man's body was later recovered by the Coast Guard.

Now that water temperatures are starting to warm on Lake Michigan, the DNR reminds us to make sure we are aware of the flag system at area beaches.

Great Lakes flag warning system at state-designated swim beaches

Double red flags = water access closed

Do not enter the water, dangerous conditions. New law that prohibits water access in effect (see below).

Red flag = high hazard

High surf and/or strong currents. It's recommended that you stay on the beach.

Yellow flag = medium hazard

Moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.

Green flag = low hazard

Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.

New law prohibits water access from a beach when risks are present

If you see double red flags you are not allowed to enter the water from the beach. Unless otherwise directed, visitors can still enjoy spending time on the beach. Risks can include, but are not limited to:

Severe weather events identified by the National Weather Service.
Hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions present.
Active rescue or recovery efforts.
Water contamination.
Unsafe debris washing ashore.

Closures/limits can also be identified by park signage and/or by verbal communication from DNR parks or law enforcement staff.

An exception is made for surfers using wind-powered or self-propelled wave-riding boards when they enter at their own risk and follow safety rules. Read Land Use Order 5.1.6 for full details.

State-designated swim beaches offer safety features

Whether located on the Great Lakes or inland, state-designated swim beaches in state parks offer additional safety measures and visual cautions. It's important to note that not all state parks have designated swim areas. These areas are identified by:

Markers and/or buoys.
Water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation (and inspected approximately every 14 days).
A beach flag warning system (only in state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in nearly 30 state parks).
Access to lifesaving flotation device and equipment.
Other site-specific safety measures, such as electronic messaging boards, signage and public address systems.

*Buoys and markers are typically installed prior to the Memorial Day holiday weekend and removed at the end of the season.

There are no beach guards (or life guards) at state parks, so never swim alone and always keep a close watch over children. It's especially important to bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for young, new and inexperienced swimmers.

7/6/23 - Two Drownings In West Michigan

Great Lakes flag warning system at state-designated swim beaches

Red flag = high hazard

State-designated swim beaches offer safety features

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