MICHIGAN, USA — State park beaches are undergoing their annual transition as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources removes swim buoys and Great Lakes flag warning systems with the arrival of cooler weather.

The removal process, which always begins after Labor Day, marks the end of designated swimming areas at state park beaches across Michigan's Great Lakes coastline. While beaches remain open to the public, officials strongly advise against swimming once buoys are removed.

"Due to high winds, waves and rapidly changing water temperatures during the off-season, buoys are typically installed before Memorial Day weekend and removed after Labor Day," said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

The flag system that warns beachgoers of dan

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