Residents and visitors are fully into the outdoor recreation mode as Marquette’s beaches are starting to draw big crowds.

There’s no doubt Superior’s chilly waters offers soothing relief when the air temperature rises into the 70s and 80s and above, but swimmers must be reminded of how dangerous those waters can also be.

That same stretch of beach in Marquette where crowds gather is where a strong rip current races through. The current and shifting sands have made the area between the shore at Shiras Park and Picnic Rocks particularly troublesome for swimmers.

Since the early 1960s, well over a dozen people have drowned in that area. In an effort to make the area safer for swimmers, the National Weather Service some years ago conducted a current monitoring project. The goal of the effort was to develop a rip current warning system that will inform swimmers of conditions in a timely manner.

In addition, the city of Marquette has a flagging system in place that warns swimmers of dangerous water conditions.

These are certainly worthwhile efforts and have the potential of reducing swimming accidents, but swimmers also need to use some common sense when venturing out in the water. Some things not to do are obvious, such as venturing out in rough water, when not only rip currents but undertows from breaking waves can pull a swimmer under.

Being knowledgeable about the location you plan to swim in is a good idea, too, especially if venturing to an area that doesn’t have lifeguards on duty. The old buddy system is always good to practice as well, which simply involves not swimming alone.

People should also learn how to swim at a young age, which not only makes hitting the water much safer but also more enjoyable while you’re cooling off.

In addition, everyone who visits the beach should keep an eye out for anyone who might appear to be getting in trouble in the water — you might just help save a life.