Gaylord, Mich. – Swimmers and beachgoers along parts of Lake Michigan are being urged to stay out of the water as life-threatening rip currents and surf build near western Mackinac County and Beaver Island. The National Weather Service in Gaylord warns that waves as high as five feet will create a high swim risk through Tuesday evening.
The rest of northern Michigan will remain mostly dry, with highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s, but the primary concern for local officials and visitors is the dangerous surf along the lake shore. Officials caution that waves of three to five feet can produce powerful undertows and unexpected shorebreaks that quickly overwhelm swimmers.
Why Conditions Are Dangerous
Strong onshore winds and persistent swell have combined to produce dangerous surf and a heightened chance of rip currents along select Lake Michigan beaches. These currents can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore in seconds. The National Weather Service highlights that areas around western Mackinac County and Beaver Island are most affected.
“Rip currents and strong surf could make conditions dangerous through Tuesday evening,” the National Weather Service in Gaylord said in its advisory.
Where the Risk Is Highest
The advisory specifically names beaches near western Mackinac and Beaver Island as having the greatest risk. Key details:
- Waves: Expect three to five feet in the most exposed areas.
- Timing: High swim risk through Tuesday evening.
- Locations: Western Mackinac County shorelines and around Beaver Island.
Safety Advice for Beachgoers
Officials urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and follow these recommendations to reduce the risk of drowning and injury:
- Avoid entering the water in areas flagged for dangerous currents.
- Stay onshore and keep clear of piers where waves may crash over.
- Know conditions before heading out — check advisories and lifeguard guidance.
- If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore until free of the current, then head back to land.
Forecast and What Comes Next
Most of northern Michigan will be dry, with only a small chance of showers across the eastern Upper Peninsula and along the northwest lower lakeshore. Temperatures will moderate through the week, and conditions are expected to improve heading into midweek and the weekend.
- Tuesday: High 66–75, isolated showers in eastern Upper Peninsula, high swim risk on Lake Michigan.
- Wednesday: High 69–78, slight shower chance east, dry elsewhere.
- Thursday: High 69–78, mostly sunny.
- Friday: High 71–80, mostly sunny.
- Saturday: High 71–80, mostly sunny.
What Residents and Visitors Should Do Now
Local authorities recommend staying informed and taking immediate precautions:
- Monitor local weather updates and beach signage.
- Avoid swimming, wading, or surfing in flagged areas.
- Close supervision of children and pets near the water.
Key takeaways: High swim risk, 3–5 foot waves, and dangerous rip currents around western Mackinac and Beaver Island through Tuesday evening. Conditions should improve from Wednesday into the weekend with warmer, mostly sunny weather.
What do you think about these beach conditions? Have you visited western Mackinac or Beaver Island beaches recently? Share your experience and safety tips in the comments below.
