September on Lake Michigan

It's September on Lake Michigan.  The water is rough and kids can still enjoy the beach.  It's too rough to go in the water though due to rip currents.
This looks like a very active kid.

Rip tides in the Great Lakes

This is what a rip current looks like in the Great Lakes.  If you are going to swim in the Great Lakes know that something rolling in like this will be very difficult to get out of.  If you do get caught, swim parallel to the shore.  You can't fight against this strong current.

The photo was created by NOAA.

rip currents

Rip currents result when water rushes offshore in a narrow channel. These currents can extend 1,000 feet, reach 100 feet in width, and travel up to 5 mph. This is slower than you can run, but faster than you or even an Olympic swimmer can swim. They are most prevalent after storms; some lasting a few hours, some (especially on the oceans) permanently.

■Don't fight the current.


■Swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet wide.


■If you can't escape, float calmly until the current dissipates, then swim diagonally back to the shore.


■If you need help, call or wave for assistance.


Recognize a Rip Current:


■Murky water from sediments stirred up by the current.


■Different waves - larger and choppier.


■Foam or objects that move steadily offshore.

source: Sea Grant