Summer temperatures are here, and the water is calling! Many state parks, but not all, offer swim areas identified by buoys or markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Before you jump in, make sure to keep safety in mind, especially on big water. Remember the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems that hold more than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard.

To keep everyone safe, follow these must-know tips:

• Check weather conditions and beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags = water access closed, red flag = high hazard, yellow flag = medium hazard, green flag = low hazard). By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
• Choose buoyed swim areas located in state parks. Swim areas offer additional safety measures and visual cautions. It’s important to note that not all state parks have designated swim areas.
• Never swim alone, especially children.
• Keep close watch on children and weaker swimmers: Stay within arm’s reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take breaks frequently.
• Be aware of water temperatures. Water can be much colder than the ambient air temperature might suggest, especially in larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes. Sudden immersion and/or sustained time in cold water can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing your risk of drowning.

Learn more about these beach safety tips, including information about the benefits of buoyed swim areas, the beach flag warning system, how to spot (and escape) Great Lakes currents and more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.

Summer is the season of grills, campfires, sparklers and fireworks, and with hotter, dryer weather comes fire season. To protect people, wildlife and landscapes, it’s important to follow fire safety tips and be prepared in case your fire does something unpredictable.

Here are some basic safety guidelines:

• When making a campfire, build it in a ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you’re done, douse your fire thoroughly with water, stir and douse again.
• When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees. When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
• If you are planning work, not play, for your holiday weekend, make sure your yard cleanup is safe. When towing trailers or equipment, ensure tow chains don’t drag and cause sparks, and avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Always keep a water source handy.
• Debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. Check whether burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning before you burn. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
• Use firewise landscaping tips at home, too, to maintain a safe space around your house. Trim low branches, remove dead vegetation and keep firewood piles a safe distance away.

Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. If you see a fire grow out of control, call 911 immediately. Swift action can save lives.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/FireSafety.

Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but ORV activity ramps up in spring and summer as people head to Michigan trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.

Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use.

“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump, try to make turns or stop. Riding sober and at a safe speed are the best ways to stay safe.”

All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:

• Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities.
• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride sober.
• Ride on the right side of the trail.
• Keep lights on when riding.
• Always wear a helmet.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.

Questions? Contact Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected].

Just in time for the holiday weekend, the DNR and McDonald’s of Michigan are teaming up to encourage young boaters to wear their life jackets this summer.

Now through Labor Day, conservation officers will pass out coupons for a free McDonald’s ice-cream cone or apple slice package (valid at participating McDonald’s locations) to youth boaters who are seen properly wearing a life jacket.

“We’re excited to partner with McDonald’s on this boating safety campaign to remind parents to encourage their children to wear life jackets,” said Lt. Tom Wanless. “It’s easy to get distracted on the water, and making sure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the easiest safety precautions you can take.”

According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning, and 85% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

If you’re planning to be on or near the water this weekend – or at all this summer – take time before you leave shore to ensure you are prepared for a water emergency:

• Complete an accredited boater safety education program.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Leave a float plan with someone on shore.
• Boat sober.
• Stay alert for swimmers, wildlife, other boaters, escaped fish nets and debris floating near the surface of the water.
• Make sure your vessel is in good operating condition and pack basic safety gear, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope and anchor.
• Carry a cell phone or marine radio.
• Pack water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing in case you become stranded.

Keep in mind that current water temperatures throughout the state are still chilly, increasing the risk for hypothermia.

Learn more about boating safety or locate a boater safety education course near you at Michigan.gov/Boating.

Questions? Contact Katie Gervasi at 517-290-0679.

The 2024 North American wildfire season is underway and warmer weather is increasing the risk of higher ozone levels.

In case you missed it, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is suggesting Michigan residents take steps to protect themselves from risks related to poor air quality.

Monitor the air quality index on the AirNow website, or sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. Keep an eye on the news and weather and be prepared in case of smoke.

Before a wildfire smoke event, MDHHS recommends you:

• Familiarize yourself with your forced air HVAC system or your window air conditioning unit. If it has a fresh-air intake or outdoor air damper, you will need to close it during a smoke event.
• Ensure you have replacement air filters that are rated MERV-13 or higher.
• Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can make a do-it-yourself air filter.
• Help neighbors and family members plan for possible wildfire smoke.
• If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, diabetes or another health condition that may make you more sensitive to wildfire smoke, talk to your health care provider ahead for guidance.
• Children under 18, anyone over the age of 60, pregnant people and outdoor workers are also more at risk. Talk to your health care provider ahead of time to make a plan.