BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich.-- As the weather cools and the days shorten, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources begins the process of removing swim buoys from many state park beaches.
Swim buoys help mark the boundaries of a swim area, which are established to help identify locations with shallower water (less than 5 feet) and lower risks of dangerous currents and waves.
Once buoys are removed, the area is no longer considered a swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended.
"High winds, waves and unpredictable water temperatures can make it difficult for staff to perform the necessary inspections and remove the buoys within the usual 14-day time frame." said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
Here are a few other cautions:
- There are several hazards, such as strong longshore currents, rip currents and submerged objects, that can exist in the water all year long.
- There are no beach guards at state parks, so never swim alone, always keep close watch over children and bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
Water currents near piers, break walls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.
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