If conditions are right, there is a force in the surf zone of Lake Michigan that can be dangerous to the wader and inexperienced swimmer; this is the RIP CURRENT.

RIP CURRENTS are formed along the shore of Lake Michigan when

(1) winds cause waves to break on the shallow underwater sandbar near the beach.

(2) Water is pushed over the submerged sandbar but cannot easily return lakeward. Excess water is held on the beach slightly above the normal lake level by the addition of water from the on-coming waves.

(3) Eventually, the excess water starts to flow back into the lake through low areas in the sandbar.

(4) Water rushing back into the lake "rips" an opening in the sandbar (much like pulling the plug in a bathtub). Lake Michigan swimmers and beach users often describe a mysterious force that "sucks" or "tows" swimmers under the water. This force is sometimes called an "undertow." In reality, there is no such thing as an undertow. The force that most waders feel pulling at their legs in shallow water is the "BACK WASH" from a wave that has washed up on the beach. This force can cause a person to lose their balance and even fall down in the surf. Small children are particularly at risk from this force. Swimmers and waders near an opening in the sand bar may become caught in the strong flow of the RIP CURRENT and be carried beyond the sandbar to deep water.

If you are caught in a RIP CURRENT, do not panic. The RIP CURRENT will not pull you under. Try to float on your back, call or wave for assistance or swim parallel to shore with the LONG SHORE current (5) until you are out of the RIP CURRENT and then swim directly towards the shore.

Most often a RIP CURRENT can be identified by (6) a mushroom shaped plume of dirty water extending from near-shore outward beyond the waves. If you cannot swim an overhand stroke for 15 minutes, you should not be swimming in the lake if there are waves breaking-take swimming lessons.

The waters of Lake Michigan offer some of the finest recreational swimming beaches in the United States. Water temperatures in mid-summer often range from the 70's to the low 80's. Along its southern shores, a number of state, local and federal agencies provide lifeguard services during most of the summer months.

However, lake conditions can change rapidly due to the weather. Swimmers are encouraged to take advantage of lifeguarded beaches when ever possible.

Safety Tips:

Because Lake Michigan is a very large body of water, there are many natural forces which reshape the shoreline almost daily. This process is not consistent and usually results in uneven bottom contours. The deeper areas found between the beach and sandbar are called "inshore holes." Inshore holes can be either long trenches, a series of small depressions, or a sheer drop-off that is many feet deep. Inshore holes are very dangerous for children and non-swimmers because they can suddenly step into deep water and drown.

Rip Currents can also occur in waters adjacent to seawalls, artificial reefs, and erosion control structures. Stay clear of these areas if you are an inexperienced swimmer. Lifeguards are not baby sitters! Parents and guardians must keep a constant watch on small children and non-swimmers in their care. It takes only a few seconds of inattention for a drowning to occur.

In the early summer, when water temperatures are still cool, hypothermia is a serious risk to bathers. Swimmers can rapidly lose vital body heat and become mentally and physically impaired. If the water feels too cold to swim...it probably is!

Water quality can change rapidly. Storms and the resulting run-off from rivers and streams can temporally contaminate the lake. If the water looks too dirty to swim...it probably is! Most lifeguarded beaches are routinely monitored for water quality. Watch for posted signs indicating water quality, or check with a lifeguard or beach manager if in doubt.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages can impair judgement and increase the risk of drowning. Swimming and alcohol are a deadly mix.

• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 219-926-7561, extension 225
• Indiana Dunes State Park 219-926-1952
• Lake County Parks/Recreation Department 219-755-3685
• Michigan City Parks/Recreation Department 219-873-1506
• Gary City Parks/Recreation Department 219-886-7113
• Hammond City Parks/Recreation Department 219-853-6378
• Chicago Parks District Information 312-747-2200

• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 1-800-PARK-TIP
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources 219-879-5710
• Porter County Indiana Sheriff/Police 219-465-1515
• Lake County Indiana Sheriff/Police 219-755-3300
• LaPorte County Indiana Sheriff/Police 219-879-3530
• United States Coast Guard/Michigan City 219-879-8371
• United States Coast Guard/Calumet Harbor 773-768-409