St. Joseph, Michigan – Swimmers in Berrien County are urged to stay cautious through Monday as strong north winds and building waves create dangerous conditions along Southeast Lake Michigan beaches. Structural, longshore, and rip currents are possible, prompting a moderate swim risk advisory.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, sustained north winds of 10 to 15 mph will push waves from 1 foot early Sunday to 2 to 3 feet by Monday, July 7. The advisory specifically targets beaches in Berrien County, where lifeguards and officials are urging beachgoers to heed warnings and avoid hazardous swimming zones.
The swim risk is classified as “moderate,” which means currents capable of sweeping swimmers away from shore may develop, especially near piers or breakwalls. Local authorities advise avoiding swimming alone, staying near lifeguard stations, and keeping children away from deeper water. Conditions may resemble previous midsummer hazard periods seen along Lake Michigan, when similar currents resulted in rescues.
Anyone planning to visit Silver Beach, Warren Dunes State Park, or other popular lakefront areas should use extra caution and monitor updates through local emergency channels.
Beach hazard alerts remain in effect through Monday evening, with conditions expected to improve gradually into Tuesday.
