New flag system to warn of rip currents at Duluth

Swimmers in Lake Superior at Duluth are getting a new system of color-coded flags to warn when dangerous rip currents are possible.

Starting June 15, red flags will be posted at several locations along the Park Point waterfront when conditions are dangerous. Firefighters will check surf zone forecasts from the National Weather Service to make the determination.

Fire Capt. Brent Consie says he expects a dozen or fewer red-flag days each summer.

Consie says people won't be ordered out of the water during a red flag warning because the department doesn't have enough people to police the beach.

Experts say rip currents can be escaped by swimming parallel to shore until out of the current, and then heading straight into shore. ---

Information from: Duluth News Tribune

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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