Learn to swim.The best thing anyone can do to stay safe is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy;never swim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of all ages. Contact a local Red Cross chapter.

Swim in areas supervised by a lifegaurd on public beach areas.

Children and inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a U.S.Coastguard approved personal floatation device.

Watch out for dangerous “too’s”. Too tired, too cold, too much sun from strenuous activity, too far from safety.

Set water rules for the entire family.

Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and the potential hazards, such as deep & shallow areas, current and depth changes.

Pay attention to local weather conditions. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Do not use alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs judgement, balance and coordination. It also reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.

Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life threatening. The body’s temperature control system which produces sweating stops working.

Wear foot protection.

Never leave a child unobserved around water.Adult supervision is recommended at all times.

Keep your cell phone or cordless nearby in case you need to call 911.

Considering water safety rules can help ensure a safe and happy vacation!

Take your trash with you:

Not only is trash and food waste on the beach an eyesore that can end up suffocating sealife, it attracts birds and wildlife that end up defecating on the sand. This ends up contributing to the already problematic sewage problem, says Nancy Stoner, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s clean water project. She advocates disposing trash in lidded bins, or if those are not available, containing the trash and packing it out yourself.

No leaky diapers:

“When it says swim diaper, that doesn’t mean [the waste is] self contained,” Stoner said. “I know this from personal experience. Plastic pants are the way to go.”

Outfiit your baby with the best diaper using Green Guide’s “Diapers Buying Guide.”

Pick up pet waste:

“Pet waste is a big problem and so easily solved by scooping up the waste,” Stoner adds.

Smoking ban:

During the coastal cleanup, volunteers found more than 3.2 million cigarette butts and filters. If you have to smoke, don’t leave evidence.

Stick to organic sunscreens, cosmetics, and insect repellent:

Research has shown that some sunscreen compounds suspected to be endocrine disruptors are finding their way into fish tissue. Scientists have said some of these could alter reproductive function and birth weight in fish. Not all ultraviolet filters have harmful materials, but to be safe, try to use natural ingredients. The possible synergistic human health and environmental affects of residue from the hundreds of chemical compounds in cosmetics and personal care products give water quality experts a real fright.
(excerpt from National Geo Go Green)

Upper level unit ideally situated for easy enjoyment of Lake Michigan and the Crystal River. Watch from either of 2 decks as the children play in the sand dunes or have a lazy float trip down the river while you enjoy a cup of coffee or sip a glass of wine in the fresh clean air from the lake. In the evening see an incredible Lake Michigan sunset as it ignites the western sky. 4BR, 3BA, condo easily sleeps 8 with 1 King, 2, Queens, and 2 Twins. Newer mattresses and box springs. Fully equipped kitchen. Bright and cheery décor. FP, cable TV/VCR/DVD. Broadband WIFI. Conveniently located to Glen Arbor that pops with excitement in the summer. Enjoy fine dining or a burger, gallery shopping or boutiques. Rent a bike or canoe, fish for salmon or bass, play mini-golf. Only minutes away you can hike the trails and dunes or visit the scenic parks and beaches located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. Only 30 minutes to Traverse City. 15 minutes to Leland. No beach club, no A/C, no pets. Sat-Sat.
Guest comment: A great experience – accommodations exactly what we expected, and reservation process very efficient. 7/09: Great Lakes 49 & 50 is exactly what you are looking for. Great view and excellent location.

This is a dream come true location. Sugar sand beach, privacy and beautiful accommodations all can be yours. Call us