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September 8, 2025
DOOR COUNTY – Door County has expanded its beach safety technology, doubling the number of SwimSmart electronic signs from five to 10 in 2025.
Per the press release, the new signs – which provide real-time updates on water quality and, at select locations, wave and current conditions – were installed in Sister Bay, Peninsula State Park and three locations at Whitefish Dunes State Park.
The original five signs, installed in 2023, are located in Baileys Harbor, Sturgeon Bay (two) and Egg Harbor (two).
Using a stoplight-style system (green, yellow, red), the signs alert visitors to water quality based on lab testing conducted by Door County Public Health and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC).
ERIC Director Greg Kleinheinz said if harmful bacteria are detected, the signs are updated remotely from the lab – eliminating the need to change physical signs on site.
“The new electronic signs have allowed for an almost seamless public notification of beach water quality results from the lab,” he said. “These are a great tool for the protection of public health and keep Door County in the forefront of water quality testing, public notification and technology implementation.”
Signs at Whitefish Dunes State Park, Door County Health & Human Services Director Joe Krebsbach said, also indicate a second critical piece of water safety information: dangerous waves and currents.
These three signs, he said, alert beachgoers to weather-induced waterfront conditions through real-time data provided by the National Weather Service.
“Our community has a substantial upgrade in how we stay informed on water conditions,” he said. “With the enhanced design and features of SwimSmart beach signs, beachgoers will have a better understanding of whether it is safe to swim and make the most of their beach day here in Door County.”
The signs were funded by a $56,035 grant from Destination Door County’s Community Investment Fund.
