(uplifting music)
- [Park Ranger] Here we are at the base of the dune climb.
It's one of our more popular areas in the park.
The dune plateau is a vast area with rolling hills
that have all been formed from the glaciers.
Probably the number one reason
that so many folks need help here in the dune plateau
is they basically underestimate
how difficult or strenuous the hiking can be in the dunes.
We do not advise for visitors
to hike down the face of an overlook.
Visitors can expect the hike back up
to be close to two hours.
On our hottest summer days,
the sand could reach temperatures of
almost 150 degrees on the surface,
so bare feet is not a good deal at all.
Our number one complaint, as far as the medicals,
is basic heat exhaustion,
and you definitely want to have more water
than you think you would need.
If we've got some lightning,
we've got very little area to hide from it
and you certainly don't want to be up on the high points
along the ridge tops.
You want to make sure that the kids stay with you
and just try to stay together.
(uplifting music)
(water rushing)
For swimming, some of the biggest concerns
that we have are rip currents.
- [Park Ranger] A rip current is basically
a channel of water that's flowing outwards.
It could be 40 feet wide, up to several hundred feet.
If you do catch yourself in a rip current,
try to flip, float, and follow.
Stay calm, don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline,
and when the current weakens,
swim at an angle towards shore.
If you cannot reach the shore, draw attention to yourself.
Face the shore, call or wave for help.
It's very important when you're out on Lake Michigan
or the inland rivers to wear life jackets.
Things can happen very quickly,
and your odds of survival increase drastically.
if you do have one on.
If you see someone struggling in water,
I recommend the throw, don't go practice.
Try to throw an object to them.
Certainly don't recommend going into the water.
- [Park Ranger] The dune plateau
is a beautiful area to explore.
You have to be prepared
as far as having all the gear that you need.
You can't just take off, but if you take the simple steps,
it's a very inviting place to be
and it's a good place to hike in the park.
(uplifting music)