GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Beach Hazard Statement for lakeshore beaches from St. Joseph to Manistee.
The statement is in effect from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday through 2:00 p.m.Thursday afternoon in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Dangerous swimming conditions are expected with strong strucural currents and possible rip currents.
Waves will be 4-7 feet north of Holland and the most dangerous conditions will be on the south side of pier structures.
Chief Officer Adam Smart with the Holland station of the United States Coast Guard says Holland State Park is one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous areas on Lake Michigan.
“It has a lot to do with the north pier head that sticks out there. When the northwest wind is strong, basically it creates a short current in conjunction with a rip current.You also have the structural current. They kind of all play into one another and create a really dangerous situation that some of these experts have found you don’t really see anywhere else but here. Research that’s been done on was eye opening for me. I know it’s a unique spot.,but a dangerous spot. It’s always a great spot to swim when the conditions are right. You really need to keep an eye on those red flags and make sure you pay attention to that.
When the red flags are up at State parks that’s a warning to not go into the water.
