Great Lakes Rip Currents & High Waves: July 6 Safety

CHICAGO, July 6, 2025

Great Lakes Swimming Alert: Rip currents and high waves create hazardous conditions

Swimming is risky in the Great Lakes due to strong currents and high waves.

• Dangerous swimming conditions are anticipated in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior.
• A high swim risk impacts Lake Superior beaches in Marquette and Alger counties.
• Swimmers should avoid the water or be extremely cautious, especially if they are weak swimmers.

Planning a beach day? **What makes for dangerous swimming conditions in the Great Lakes?** Strong winds, large waves, and powerful currents can create hazardous situations, particularly on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior.

Lake Superior: High swim risk

Specifically, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette issued a warning on X, stating, “A high swim risk is expected for the Lake Superior beaches of Marquette and Alger counties today. Avoid the water, as dangerous rip currents will be seen across the Lake Superior shoreline today.”

The Marquette weather office added that waves could reach up to 4 feet on Sunday, creating “limited” conditions for boaters.

Lower Peninsula: Strong winds and large waves

Down in the Lower Peninsula, the weather service is forecasting strong winds, significant waves, and powerful currents along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

According to the NWS Grand Rapids office, “Unfortunately, the warm and humid beach weather this weekend will clash with swimming conditions that will become dangerous due to large waves and strong currents. Waves will build this afternoon and will build again Sunday,” stated Saturday afternoon.

Indiana and Southwest Michigan

The weather office for Northern Indiana, which includes southwest Michigan, predicts north winds and waves of 2 to 3 feet on July 6 and 7. These conditions will lead to dangerous swimming at Lake Michigan beaches in Berrien County and La Porte County, Indiana.

If you’re heading to the Great Lakes, choose a beach with lifeguards. Swimming at unguarded beaches significantly increases the risk, even if the water appears calm.

Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Huron

Gaylord weather forecasters indicate a moderate risk for swimmers on Sunday along the northern Lake Michigan shore near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as along Lake Huron “near and south of Oscoda.”

The NWS reported that waves will range from 2-3 feet with strong currents.

“Weak swimmers should stay out of the water,” the weather service cautioned.