Is It Safe To Swim Today?​

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Beach advisories and swim hazards can change quickly—especially after rainfall or during windy conditions on the Great Lakes.

Use this guide to understand what water quality advisories mean, how rip currents and undertow form, and when harmful algae blooms may make it unsafe for you, your kids, or your pets to enter the water.

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🟩 SECTION A: E. Coli & Water Quality

 

What is E. coli?

 

​E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment. At beaches, elevated E. coli levels often indicate that water has been impacted by:

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• Stormwater runoff after rainfall

• Wastewater overflows

• Animal waste from birds or wildlife

High levels don’t always mean the water looks dirty—but they can increase the risk of illness if swallowed.

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What does a Beach Advisory mean?

 

​A water quality advisory usually means that swimming is not recommended, especially for:

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• Children

• Older adults

• People with weakened immune systems

• Pets

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You can still enjoy the beach—but it’s best to:

• Avoid swallowing water

• Keep small children out of the water

• Prevent dogs from drinking lake water

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Common Ways People Get Sick

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Most illnesses happen when contaminated water:

• Is swallowed while swimming

• Gets into the mouth or nose during play

• Is transferred to food or snacks from unwashed hands

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Safer Choices on Advisory Days

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When an advisory is active, consider:

• Staying on the sand to relax or picnic

• Choosing another nearby beach with better conditions

• Planning a “Plan B” activity for the day
  (This is where BeachSafeCheck will soon suggest local alternatives)

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Good Habits Every Day

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• Rinse off after swimming

• Wash hands before eating

• Don’t swim with open cuts or wounds

• Keep pets from drinking lake water

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🟨 SECTION B: Rip Currents & Undertow (Great Lakes Swim Hazards)

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Why Can the Great Lakes Be Dangerous?​

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Even without ocean tides, wind and waves can create powerful currents—especially near:

• Piers

• Breakwalls

• Sudden drop-offs

• Sandbars

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On rough days, conditions can look calm from shore but still be dangerous in the water.

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Warning Signs of Dangerous Currents

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• Waves breaking in sets

• Water pulling away from shore

• Waves hitting structures and pushing water sideways

• Swimmers struggling to make progress back to shore

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If You Get Pulled Away From Shore

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• Don’t try to swim straight back

• Stay calm and float

• Signal for help

• Swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current

• Then angle back toward land

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What BeachSafeCheck Shows

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When official swim hazard alerts are active, BeachSafeCheck will display them directly on each beach page.

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🟪 SECTION C: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

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What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?

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A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) is an overgrowth of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins. Blooms can move depending on wind and water conditions and are most common in warmer months.

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Avoid the Water if You See:

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• Thick green scum

• Paint-like streaks

• Foam or surface mats

• Strong odor

• Discolored water near shore

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If You or Your Dog Were Exposed

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• Rinse off immediately

• Don’t let pets lick their fur

• Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms occur

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When Are HABs Most Common?

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HAB forecasts are typically most relevant during bloom season—often mid-summer through early fall in the Great Lakes region.

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🟧 QUICK SWIM SAFETY CHECKLIST

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Before entering the water:

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• Check today’s advisory status

• Check swim hazards (waves or currents)

• Avoid swimming near piers or breakwalls in rough conditions

• Don’t swallow lake water

• Rinse off after swimming

• Keep young children within arm’s reach