First Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

DULUTH, Minn.– The first red flag warning of the year was issued today for Park Point Beaches in Duluth because of a high risk for rip currents.

The dangerous swimming conditions come from strong winds creating bigger waves that can form deadly rip currents up and down the point. There are five red flag alert stations at busier beach entrances, including the 12th Street beach.

Fire officials remind swimmers to stay out of the water during these alerts and realize Lake Superior is unpredictable.

“How likely a rip current could occur and it’s higher when the waves are higher or bigger. But it can also exist when they’re lower as well,” said Duluth firefighter Kyle Achman.

If you are ever in a rip tide, you encouraged to swim parallel with the shoreline instead of fighting the current, which can exhaust a person and lead to a drowning.