GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Area beaches will be packed today as many enjoy this last unoffical day of Summer, but a Beach Hazard Statement will make conditions unpleasant.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Beach Hazard Statement along the lakeshore from St. Joseph to Manistee through Monday evening. Dangerous swimming conditions are expected along with rip currents.
Beaches with particularly dangerous swimming conditions include Grand Haven State Park, Holland State Park and South Beach in South Haven. Waves will increase to 5-8 feet making it dangerous to be on the piers as well.
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 and stay off the piers.
