Grand Rapids, Michigan – Swimmers are being urged to stay out of Lake Michigan this weekend as dangerous waves and rip currents threaten beachgoers from Manistee to St. Joseph.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, wave heights will reach 4 to 8 feet north of Holland and 3 to 6 feet from Holland southward to South Haven from Saturday morning through Sunday evening. The hazardous conditions may linger into Monday.
Red zones, including Muskegon, Ludington, and Grand Haven, are under a “Do Not Swim” alert due to life-threatening currents. Yellow zones like South Haven and Saugatuck should use extreme caution. Waves in these areas can quickly pull swimmers into deeper water, posing a serious risk even for experienced swimmers.
Local officials advise staying off piers and avoiding water activities. If you’re headed to the beach, keep children away from the surf zone and monitor for shifting conditions. Life jackets and flotation devices are not enough to ensure safety in red-flag conditions.
Warnings remain in effect through Sunday, with possible extensions depending on lake conditions. Updates will be issued as needed.
