28 Michigan Beaches Close Ahead of Crisp August Weekend

Beaches on the Shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron Affected

August 9, 2024 – Troubling news for those planning a weekend escape: there are 28 Michigan beaches currently closed or under contamination advisories, many of which line the gorgeous coasts of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This news comes ahead of what is expected to be a cool and enticing August weekend.

A Tang of Autumn and Murky Waters

With a “true fall-like day” predicted for Saturday and a return to higher summer temperatures on Sunday, it’s a perfect recipe for beach visits. However, potential swimmers and sunbathers are advised to check this list of currently closed beaches or those under contamination advisories for unsafe or questionable water quality.

Despite these limitations, beachgoers can expect plentiful opportunities to visit the state’s excellent swimming spots as Michigan hosts more than 1,800 beaches.

Michigan’s vast coastline is regularly monitored, with beaches tested frequently with respect to their water quality and the results updated accordingly.

Current List of Beach Closures and Advisories

The advisories and closures span across several beaches due to a range of issues including high bacteria levels caused by stormwater runoff, wildlife, or unidentified contamination sources.

Some key closures and advisories on the list include:

• Singing Bridge Beach in Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron – under contamination advisory since June 26.
• Oakridge Subdivision’s Sugden Lake in Oakland County – has been closed since July 5.
• Dumont Lake County Beach in Allegan County’s Dumont Lake – has been under contamination advisory since July 9.
• Harbor Beach City Park on Lake Huron, Huron County – closed since Aug. 6.
• Union Pier/Townline Road, Lake Michigan, Berrien County – under contamination advisory since Aug. 5.
• Jean Klock Park on Lake Michigan, Berrien County – closed since Aug.5.

Upperhand with Online Updates

For up-to-the-minute updates on the status of these and other beaches, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy provides a detailed map with the red-flagged beaches and comprehensive details on water quality tests on the Beach Guard website.

More Than Just Beaches

This online resource provides wide-ranging information for the public on beach water quality across the state. This includes water sampling results and daily updates on which beaches have advisories or are fully closed. The data encompasses 1,244 public beaches and 574 private ones.

In Conclusion

Amid the onset of slightly fall-like temperatures and the lure of enjoying Michigan’s beaches, it is essential to remain aware of the current quality of the beaches before packing your beach bag. The ongoing monitoring of the beaches provides the necessary data to ensure that your weekend at the beach remains safe, yet enjoyable.

The information provided here serves as a guide for residents and visitors, and will be updated continuously as more information becomes available.

So, as we move through this crisp August weekend, remember to check the current status of your chosen beach, for your own safety and for the better enjoyment of Michigan’s fantastic coastline.