HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Beach Hazards Statement starting at 2:00 p.m.Wednesday until 9 p.m. along the lakeshore, from St. Joseph all the way up the coastline to Whitehall.
Strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected with rip currents. Beaches with particulary dangerous conditions include North Beach in South Haven, Muskegon State Park and Holland State Park.
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.
Smart played a role in the the RED Flag PSA Video that was created for teens and produced by The City of Holland and several organizations including the Ottawa County Sheriff Dive team.
You are also asked to stay off the piers. Watch the Red Flag PSA video here.
In Holland alone there were three drownings in the Summer of 2016.
