Rip Currents are the most threatening natural hazard along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.

A rip current is a "seaward" moving current. Try to imagine a sandy "underwater river" suddenly forming and occurring on the bottom of the lake. Rips are created when accumulating waves on shore use gravity to get back into open sea. Something gives - the sandbars on the lake floor - and everything in its path is catapulted out into open sea.

This is where the term "rip" comes from - the current rips the sandbar away and creates the underwater river. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength of waves are weakened by objects such as rocks, jetties, piers, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." Although this terminology attempts to refer to similar phenomenon, it is a bit misleading as rip currents are not directly associated with tides and it does not pull people under - RIPS PULL VICTIMS AWAY FROM THE BEACH DEEP INTO THE LAKE.

A sudden break in an offshore sandbar can release water rapidly back into the deep lake, creating a rip current.

Although rips are not always easily discernible to the untrained eye, there are several signs that rips are present. Look for the following indicators to determine presence and location:

The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of rescues by lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents. Stay out of the lake when there are breaking waves. If caught in a rip:

A new flag system is being instituted at Washington Park.  If results are 235 mg/l or below, a green flag will wave indicating that the water quality results from the previous days' sample is satisfactory.  If the results are 236 mg/l to 999 mg/l, a yellow advisory swim with caution flag will be raised.  If sample results are over 1000 mg/l, a reg flag will be raised indicating the beach waters are closed.  This system is a result of several years of data indicating that E.coli can sustain and replicate itself in our environment causing severe fluctuations with our water quality indicator (E.coli).  Remember E.coli itself is not harmful but can be in the presence of other pathogens. 

1. Patrons will comply with all rules and lifeguard instructions or be subject to removal or arrest
2. Green flag signifies safe lake conditions - swimming allowed
3. Yellow flag signifies beach advisory - swim with caution
4. Red flag signifies unsafe lake conditions - swimming prohibited
5. All children 12 years of age or younger must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult guardian
6. No alcoholic beverages within 50 feet of roadways or parking areas
7. Absolutely no glass containers
8. No watercraft, loading/unloading of passengers in or beyond designated swim area
9. The use of inflatable objects may be restricted
10. No activities allowed which present danger or risk to beach patrons
11. No unauthorized vehicles on beach
12. No animals or pets allowed
13. No overnight parking or camping
14. No fires allowed - grills permitted in designated areas only
15. No littering - please use proper refuse receptacles
16. Curfew is 11:00 p.m. daily
17. Picnic shelters available through reservations and park office 873-1506
18. No motorized vehicles except in designated parking areas
19. No metal detectors on grass
20. Noise ordinance enforced
21. No skateboards except in designated areas
22. Read and obey all signs
23. Only swim at beaches protected by a lifeguard - never swim alone
24. Check with lifeguards for dangerous conditions
25. Rip Currents can kill - learn what to do if you get caught in one
26. Do not overestimate your swimming abilities or take changes in rough waters
27. Alcohol and swimming do not mix - please swim sober
28. Never leave a child alone in Washington Park or on the beach
29. Always utilize sunscreen and eye protection
30. Drink plenty of fluids
31. Please advise lifeguards of any medical conditions that may affect your visit to the beach
32. Please see lifeguards for complete list of beach rules

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• www.usla.org
• www.usla.org/ripcurrents
• www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/
• Safe Boating Weather Tips
• A Mariner's Guide to Marine Weather Services - Great Lakes
• Marine Weather Service Chart - Great Lakes
• Marine Weather Data Chart - Great Lakes
• Click here to read the USLA Rip Current Fact Sheet
• Click here to read the USLA Rip Current Survival Fact Sheet

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