Grand Rapids, Michigan · Friday, July 3, 2026· 72°F

West Michigan Water Safety Campaign: Swimming Isn't Enough

Local advocates warn that knowing how to swim doesn't guarantee safety in open water as lake season begins.

TL;DR — 20-second summary

A West Michigan water safety group is teaching swimmers additional skills like hazard recognition and emergency response to prevent accidents during the busy holiday season.

West Michigan Water Safety Campaign: Swimming Isn't Enough

With warm weather arriving, a West Michigan water safety group is emphasizing that swimming skills alone aren't enough for safe time on the water. Their educational campaign focuses on teaching critical abilities such as identifying rip currents, understanding water depth changes, and practicing proper supervision.

Grand Rapids residents heading to local spots like Ottawa County beaches or the Grand River should pay attention. These lessons aim to reduce water-related incidents by addressing hazards that basic swimming lessons often miss, which is especially timely for holiday weekends.

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Experts stress that everyone, including children, should practice swimming in open water settings and always have a designated water watcher nearby. Community centers and online resources offer more information to help families stay safe this summer.

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