BEACH SAFETY The Essentials of
Welcome to the Third Coast, where the lake sets the pace and everything else can wait.
Lake Michigan is beautiful but powerful. Knowing how to stay safe is key to enjoying a day at the beach or on the water.
SWIM IN DESIGNATED AREAS Always swim in marked areas and avoid swimming near piers and break walls where currents are strongest. Check the beach flags before getting in (when present). • Green Flag = Safe to swim
Hi there, we’re the Third Coast,
dog-friendly patio, or a rainy day plan the whole family will actually enjoy, we’ve got you covered. And when it’s time to start dreaming about your next trip, we can help you find the perfect place to stay. Every summer in Harbor Country brings something new, and 2026 is no exception. Artisanal breweries, restaurants celebrating local harvests, a charming dog boutique, antique stores to get lost in, and we’re just getting started. We built this guide to point you toward Harbor Country go-tos and shine a light on a few new spots that’ll stay with you long after you’ve shaken the sand out of your bag.
Think of us as your local guides to the best of Southwest Michigan. We know what’s new, what’s worth the drive, and where the hidden gems are hiding. Lake Michigan has a way of pulling you in, slowing you down, and leaving you sun- warmed, recharged, and counting down the days til next summer. From wine tasting through the rolling vineyards of Baroda to browsing farmers markets in Union Pier, there’s always something to savor. We take the pressure o planning so you can do what you actually came here to do, relax and settle into the easy rhythm of the lakeshore. Whether it’s a great local co ee shop, a sunny
• Yellow Flag = Swim with caution • Red Flag = Dangerous, stay out! • Double Red Flags = Beach is closed UNDERSTAND RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are strong, narrow channels that pull swimmers away from shore. If you’re caught in one: • Stay calm don’t fight the current. • Swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re free of the current. • Once out of the current, swim at an angle back to the beach. • If you can’t escape, float or tread water and wave for help. UNDERSTAND RIP CURRENTS Wear a Life Jacket: Whether you’re boating, paddleboarding, or kayaking, a life jacket can … well save your life. Kids or less experienced swimmers should wear life jackets in the big lake. Respect the lake, follow these rules and you’ll have an amazing time in Lake Michigan!
Let’s savor the season together, The Third Coast Team
4 2026 Third Coast Guide
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