GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Swimmers had to find other ways of beating the heat Tuesday evening as the beach at Grand Haven State Park was closed due to a number of near-drownings.
The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety said that there were three calls for help on Tuesday amid unfavorable water conditions.
The first incident involved a 28-year-old woman from Holland, who struggled to swim back to shore. Her husband tried to rescue her, but he too struggled in the water. Fortunately, the couple both made it safely to shore by the time officers arrived.
Following on the heels of the first incident, a second call for help involved a 35-year-old father who was trying to save his two young children from drowning. All three family members were rescued, thanks to the efforts of several onlookers, including an off-duty Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officer.
A third rescue happened shortly after when a 28-year-old woman also started floundering in the water. She was also brought safely back to shore with the help of her husband and Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officers.
After these three water emergencies, the beach was soon closed to the public, and the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety helped to clear the area.
The closure was lifted Wednesday morning, but current flag conditions are yellow. The Grand Haven State Parkadvises swimmers to use caution if entering the water and be aware of changing water conditions.
