Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (August 23, 2025) – Beach safety improvements across Door County beaches doubled from five to ten electronic signs in 2025. These new SwimSmart Technology (SwimSmart) signs demonstrate a county-wide priority to keep residents and visitors aware of water conditions.
Signs were added in 2025 to Sister Bay, Peninsula State Park, and three locations in Whitefish Dunes State Park, funded by Destination Door County’s Community Investment Fund. Signs installed in 2023 are located across the county, with one in Bailey’s Harbor, two in Sturgeon Bay, and two in Egg Harbor.
Lights on signs in all ten locations indicate current water quality conditions based on water monitoring from Door County Health and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center. Water samples are taken from each beach and tested in a laboratory for harmful contaminants. If these contaminants are deemed a threat to public health, the electronic signs are instantly updated from the test laboratory. Traditionally, lab technicians would have to drive out to each beach to swap aluminum signage manually. Signs at Whitefish Dunes State Park also indicate a second critical piece of water safety information: dangerous waves and currents. These three signs alert beachgoers of 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,” said Joe Krebsbach, Director, Door County Health & Human Services. “With the enhanced design and feature of SwimSmart beach signs, beachgoers will have a better understanding whether it is safe to swim and make the most of their beach day here in Door County.”
Using a familiar stoplight system with the same color scheme as the current water quality placards, the electronic signs clearly alert visitors to general beach hazard levels. Green indicates open, yellow indicates swimming advisory, and red indicates swimming is closed to the public. The lights update based on real-time water quality conditions; and for Whitefish Dunes weather conditions as well. SwimSmart urges beachgoers to always use caution when swimming regardless of the sign color.
“The new electronic signs at Door County beaches have allowed for an almost seamless public notification of beach water quality results from the lab,” said Dr. Greg Kleinheinz, Director, Environmental Research and Innovation Center at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. “We have had great feedback from the public using the beaches and there is now no delay from lab result to public notification of microbial beach hazards. These are a great tool for the protection of public health and keeps Door County in the forefront of water quality testing, public notification, and technology implementation.”
Destination Door County’s Community Investment Fund awarded Door County $56,035 to double the number of signs. “When residents and visitors alike can make the most of their beach day in Door County, everyone wins,” said Julie Gilbert, President/CEO, Destination Door County. “Our investment in funding additional electronic signage has ensured beachgoers have enjoyed safe and memorable swimming conditions.”
Residents are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Beach where the SwimSmart sign technology will be demonstrated. County officials and project partners, including University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and Destination Door County, and individuals from SwimSmart will be present to give remarks on the safety improvements and perform a product demonstration.
Beaches across the Great Lakes, and the Country, are equipped with SwimSmart beach safety technology to promote smarter swimming.
About SwimSmart Technology
SwimSmart Technology (SwimSmart) is a technology integrator founded in 2018 that provides connected beach safety products and services for public beachfronts in order to promote safe and healthy recreation on and near the water. Based in Marquette, Michigan, SwimSmart Technology has equipped shoreline communities in the Great Lakes region, around the United States, and internationally with safety enhancements to provide beachgoers with accurate, up-to-date information on swim conditions and a readily available emergency response system.
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