5/31/22 - Hazardous Beach Conditions

Four people needed help during rough lake conditions off Grand Haven State Park.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Beach Warnings were issued over the weekend after strong winds resulted in high waves along the Lake Michigan shoreline.  The warm temperatures brought more people to the beach over the Memorial Day weekend.

Monday afternoon, authorities were notified that some people in the water were in need of help at Grand Haven State Park.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Park Rangers, Ottawa County Marine Patrol boats, North Ottawa Community Hospital Paramedics, and a boat from US Coast Guard Station Grand Haven all responded. 

Beachgoers formed a human chain and waded out into the lake and used a life ring to reach one of the struggling swimmers. Two people that were part of the human chain also began to struggle in the water.   Marine Deputies in a boat rescued the second swimmer and the other two people as well.  

Minor injuries were reported and one person was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities say the individuals rescued were two 17-year-old women from Grand Rapids, a 29-year-old man from Grand Rapids and a 42-year-old man from Oakland County.