Introduction – What is Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, bordering four U.S. states. It is the fifth-largest of the Great Lakes, the largest and most populous of the inland lakes of the United States, the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume, and the third-largest by surface area. The lake spans an area of 58,000 square miles and contains nearly 1,600 miles of shoreline. It is also home to over 10 million people who live in the four bordering states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
Beaches and Regulations
Due to quarantine regulations prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, some beaches in Michigan have been closed for the 2020 season. Beaches in the County of Wayne, for example, have been closed since May 15th. However, there are still dozens of beaches along Lake Michigan that remain open to the public. In Michigan, these beaches include Stearns Park Beach, South Haven Beach, Grand Haven State Park Beach, and Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach.
The beaches that remain open are subject to certain regulations. Overnight camping and large events are not allowed. Visitors must abide by social distancing rules, maintain six feet of distance between family groups, and only use their own beach equipment. Most beaches require visitors to park their cars in designated spots and then walk to their beach spot.
It is important for beach goers to always check for local regulations. Many beaches have signage informing visitors of the access rules, and it is important to always abide by them. Other regulations may include bans on plastic bags, smoking bans, bans on specific water activities and bans on excessive amounts of beach equipment.
Health and Safety Recommendations
In addition to local regulations, it is important for visitors to keep in mind recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, visitors should bring their own food and drinks, avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate family, and practice social distancing while on the beach. Visitors should also use sunscreen and reapply it frequently, and avoid touching their face or sharing towels, sunscreen, and other beach accessories.
It is also important for visitors to avoid large crowds, as well as near or in the water, as this increases the risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19. To limit the risk of contamination, it is advised to use the restroom at home if possible and not to touch shared surfaces if it can be avoided.
Accessibility and Services
Most beaches are wheelchair accessible and provide public restrooms and foot washes. Some have changing rooms and showers, while others have snack stands. Many beaches have umbrellas and beach chairs available for rent. Be sure to check with the local beach before visiting to make sure that it offers the necessary facilities and services.
If the beach offers public restrooms, it is recommended to bring your own hand sanitizer, face masks and lysol wipes to keep clean and safe. Additionally, it is recommended to always check for sand and debris before getting into the water.
Recreational Activity Limitations
Wooden docks and platforms that are used as lookout points or to host boats and small personal water crafts have been removed from most Michigan beaches to limit recreational activity. Boat launches are open but are limited to one boat per launch. Swimwear without zippers is no longer allowed, and visitors should always check the regulations before visiting.
Fishing is still permitted, but anglers must adhere to the regulations of their respective states. Most beaches allow visitors to bring their own kayaks and canoes, as long as they can carry them to the beach by themselves.
Conclusion – Keep Lake Michigan Clean and Safe
As summer approaches, visitors to the beaches of Lake Michigan should always be aware of the regulations and safety protocols in order to keep the environment safe, clean and beautiful. From maintaining social distancing while on the beach, to taking precautionary measures while fishing or boating, every visitor has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the lake, the beaches and the wildlife.
