The Three Life Saving Words Michigan Swimmers Need To Remember

The weather is getting warmer and soon many of us in West Michigan are going to head to the Lake Michigan shoreline to enjoy a nice day at the beach.

Some will never step foot in the water and simply enjoy getting a nice tan or reading a book with their feet in the sand.

But for those like myself who can't wait to jump into the cool and refreshing water there is something we should all keep in mind for our safety.

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It's important to remember that water can be unpredictable and if you find yourself in a situation such as battling a strong current, you should remember these three words.

Flip, Float and Follow

If you ever find yourself struggling to stay afloat or battling against a strong current here's what The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project advises.

• Flip: Flip over onto your back and float.

• Float: Float to keep your head above water. Float to calm yourself down from the panic and fear of drowning. Float to conserve your energy.

• Follow: Follow the safest path to safety / out of the water.

Read More: Why Did Grand Rapids Take The Rapids Out Of The River?

I consider myself a good swimmer. However, I had a brief moment where a current started to pull me around, and I was scared I was going to drown.

At the time I had never heard of "Flip, Float and Follow" but I will definitely try to remember it if I ever find myself in that same scary situation again.