By James Herold
Grand Haven State Park officials changed their Flag Warning System earlier this week to include a double red flag – one for hazardous conditions and another for no swimming at all. The new flags were added to the normal green, yellow, and red flags beach-goers are used to seeing.
The pier was closed July 20, the day the new flag system was rolled out, due to large waves.
Grand Haven Public Safety Captain Lee Adams explained in an email to The Collegiate that the State Park added in new flags in order to “help park users have a better visual indicator of when water access is closed.”
In the event of a water rescue, Adams stated that first responders are sent from Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.
In terms of drowning deaths Adams wrote, “(Grand Haven) city has not had any drowning deaths this year off the beach or pier; I cannot speak for (Grand Haven) Township or other jurisdictions.”
People who do not follow a No Swimming flag risk being issued a citation for up to $500, according to Andrew LundBorg, Grand Haven State Park Department of Natural Resources Park Supervisor.
For all other questions regarding the conditions at Grand Haven State Park. Please call the State Park at (616) 847-1309.
