Public Awareness: Key to Water Safety

For many people, swimming at a Great Lakes beach is the highlight of the summer, whether folks live near the shoreline or travel several hours to reach their favorite destination. As this year’s swimming season approaches, beach-goers will notice a new emphasis on water safety and rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful currents capable of pulling swimmers far offshore. They can develop in the oceans and Great Lakes. The U.S. Lifesaving Association reports that rip currents account for 80 percent of lifeguard rescues at surf beaches. In Michigan, many popular Great Lakes beaches do not have lifeguards, and potential danger is often underestimated.

A number of tragic incidents in the Great Lakes over the past few years have accelerated interest in rip currents. Scientists have begun to piece together information about water and weather conditions during some of the recent drowning events, and they’re working toward a better understanding of the conditions that precede these strong currents. This information is critical as the National Weather Service develops a Great Lakes forecasting system to issue accurate advisories to the public.

Michigan Sea Grant has teamed up with a number of other Sea Grant programs as well as NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, NOAA National Weather Service and the United States Lifesaving Association in a national media campaign promoting rip current safety. A media event on May 24, 2004 in North Carolina unveiled new beach signs and brochures. Designed by Michigan Sea Grant’s Dave Brenner, the materials describe how to recognize rip currents and how to escape them. The materials are available for use by coastal communities along the oceans and Great Lakes. (See the back cover of this issue of upwellings.)

Within Michigan, several coastal communities have already formed task forces to promote rip current awareness and general water safety. These local partnerships are an effective way to bring together the expertise of a variety of people with a common interest. In this issue of upwellings, the feature article beginning on page 4 highlights some of these activities, scientific progress related to rip currents and key safety facts and tips to help beach-goers swim safely this summer.

Elizabeth LaPorte
Communications Director