Headed to the beach on Labor Day? Beware of large waves, dangerous currents

If you're planning a trip to one of the beaches in southeast Wisconsin on Labor Day (September 5th), you'll want to be aware of this: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a beach hazards statement.

Large waves and dangerous longshore and rip currents are expected, according to officials. Conditions could be life-threatening.

The beach hazards statement will be in effect from Monday morning through Monday evening.

National Weather Service: Beach Hazards Statement issued for Labor Day -- Ozaukee/Sheboygan counties

Beaches from Sheboygan to Port Washington are impacted. The FOX6 Weather Experts say a strong south wind will create dangerous currents -- especially from Port Washington to Sheboygan and north to Door County.

According to the National Weather Service, beaches with particularly dangerous conditions in Sheboygan County include:

NWS officials are warning of strong structural currents, strong longshore currents and rip currents.

Structural currents form along piers where longshore currents and wave action flow into the structure. Structural currents can sweep you out into deeper water along the pier structure.

A longshore current is a lake current that moves parallel to shore. Longshore currents can be strong enough to prevent swimmers from being able to keep their feet on the bottom -- making it difficult to return to shore.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars. Rip currents can sweep you into deeper water.



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