MILWAUKEE — The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement until 7 p.m. Monday for Lake Michigan beaches in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties.
According to the NWS, there is a high swim risk with life-threatening waves of around four feet and dangerous currents. "Stay out of the water and away from piers and breakwalls," according to a release.
According to their website, the southern portion of SE Wisconsin is under "high" risk for swim and risk currents, while the northern stretch up past Manitowoc is under a "moderate" risk for swim and risk currents.
Lieutenant Commander Joshua Valdivia, comman center chief with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, said when the National Weather Service issues these alerts it increases their awareness that they may need to help someone in distress.
Valdivia encourage people of all swimming abilities to wear a personal flotation device to be safe.
"It's definitely worthwhile for the public to heed those alerts. Just exercise a greater deal of caution. Does that mean you can't get in the water? Not necessarily, but that means when you do think about going into the water, you exercise a little bit more foresight," LCDR Valdivia said.
Late Monday afternoon, families were out at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee despite the National Weather Service's warning.
"I would keep an eye on them with the currents, because it could sweep them out so I wouldn't let them go too far out in the water," grandmother Trina Egana said.
Read the NWS' guidance on swimming in the Great Lakes:
Before you enjoy a nice day at the beach, it is important to know before you go! What you should know includes the swim risk, beach status, and expected weather conditions. This page contains resources to help plan a day to the beach on the Great Lakes along with some tips to help stay safe. For forecast information at any Great Lakes beach and additional safety resources check out: www.weather.gov/greatlakes/beachhazards For Wisconsin beach status information go to: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Beaches/AdvisoryMap.html |
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.