Enjoy a Safe Summer Along Lake Michigan's Shoreline

Each year people flock to Lake Michigan’s Shoreline to enjoy a relaxing vacation or to take advantage of this great lake right in their backyard! As real estate agents serving Chicago’s North Shore, Evanston, Chicago, the Indiana Shoreline, New Buffalo and Harbor Country Michigan; we enjoy helping people find a great home and lifestyle in these coastal cities.

And, while our team here at Shoreline Property Advisors assist buyers through the entire home buying process; our goal is to have a full orbed approach to the Lake Michigan Shoreline lifestyle. One of the number one concerns for those venturing to their yearly vacation destination or plan on taking part in boating, skiing or swimming in Lake Michigan this summer is safety.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, many are making plans to be out enjoying the lake. Below are ten safety tips you’ll want to be reminded of before jumping in!

1. Supervision – Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for a child to be in serious trouble. If you have children swimming Lake Michigan; it’s important to have at least one adult watching them at all times. Segment the supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is “on duty”.

2. Bright Colors – Dress your child in bright colors when going to the lake or a more crowded area around Lake Michigan. Use a bright color so all family members have a consistent image of what the child is wearing.

3. Pictures – When venturing out to any of the activities on or around Lake Michigan; make sure you have a recent picture of each child in your group. This way, if one of the children wanders off, you have a reference to show people when asking about the child.

4. Cell Phones – Your cell phone is VERY important. You may want to protect it from the water by putting it in plastic bag, but make sure you always have it on you and completely charged.

5. Survival Swimming – Before the children begin swimming in Lake Michigan, be sure to go over the basic survival tips in case they were to go unnoticed in the lake and need help. Go through treading water techniques and a system of signaling for help if they find themselves in trouble. It may be a good idea to attach a whistle to a bracelet for each child to wear in the water. Self-Rescue swimming is an added layer of protection.

6. Dock Safety – Have a hook, rope and throw ring attached to the dock that can be used at a moments notice. Teach and practice their use and make sure each child understand the importance of using them only in times of emergency and not as a toy.

7. Rope off a wading/swimming area – Begin at the shore and extend a rope out to a depth of your choice. Allow your children to swim off of the shore ONLY in this area. It reduces where you might have to search, and provides a safe limit that makes everyone more comfortable.

8. Go no further line – Paint a ‘go no further line’ 2.5 feet in from all edges of the dock. Teach young children to hold an adult’s hand between that line and the edge of the dock.

9. Life Jackets – Life jackets must be worn in a boat at all times and around the water for children who don’t know how to swim. However, life jackets are not a substitute for adult supervision. When picking out a life jacket, please read the warning labels as some of them will not float a child face-up, and make sure the life jacket fits the child well.

10. Floaties – Flotation devices such as floaties, inflatable rings, etc., can often times provide a false sense of security for parents and children. These items can easily deflate or fall off your child’s arm leaving them in a potentially dangerous situation. While these are fun to play with and use, make sure you’re still taking every precaution for safety by watching your child.

As you’ve taken a few minutes to review these important safety tips, we hope you share them with friends and family! Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we want everyone to enjoy fun activities on Lake Michigan, and to be as safe as possible while doing so!

Interested in learning more about buying a vacation home or your dream home along the Lake Michigan Shoreline? Contact us today! We’d love to talk with you and help you find your new home!