LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Nothing says summer in Michigan like a trip to the beach – but more and more, that trip comes with a warning sign. Between heavy rains, agricultural runoff, wildlife waste, toxic algae, and high bacteria levels, swimmers across the state are facing a growing number of closures and health advisories. Just in time, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has launched a new online tool designed to help beachgoers know what’s going on at the beach before they head out.
The BeachGuard makeover.
On June 11, EGLE rolled out its revamped BeachGuard notification system, an interactive, user- friendly website that tracks the water quality status of more than 400 monitored public beaches across the state. The site aggregates data submitted by local health departments and posts real-time updates on closures and contamination alerts.
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Users can view the map by street or satellite, search by county, and filter for specific closures or advisories. Personalized alerts are also available, giving Michiganders the ability to monitor the beaches that matter most to them.
A rough holiday weekend for Michigan Beaches over the Fourth of July.
The need for the BeachGuard system became especially clear over the Fourth of July holiday, when several Michigan beaches were flagged for high E. coli levels.
According to reports from WILX and other media outlets, about 11 Michigan beaches were closed or under contamination advisories heading into the 4th of July holiday, including a popular group of beaches on the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
EGLE attributes most of the contamination to things like stormwater runoff, waste from birds and other animals, failing septic systems, and general overuse during busy times. Swimmers exposed to elevated E. coli levels may experience gastrointestinal illness, rashes, or infections – especially if they have open wounds or weakened immune systems.
Why it matters now more than ever.
With Michigan’s summer tourism in full swing and temperatures on the rise, the BeachGuard tool is more than just a convenience – it’s a public health safeguard. Beachgoers can avoid showing up to a closed or unsafe beach, reducing the risk of illness and disappointment. Whether Michiganders are planning a weekend getaway or just an afternoon swim, checking BeachGuard first is a critical step for safe beach visits this summer.
