SOUTH HAVEN, MI – A new ordinance is designed to keep people off the South Haven piers when conditions are unsafe.
The city of South Haven has the authority to close beaches and Lake Michigan piers when there are unsafe conditions, after a new ordinance was adopted in January.
Diving or jumping from piers is also prohibited. People face a $1,000 fine and civil infraction for ignoring the ordinance, city officials said in a news release.
“By passing this ordinance, we are taking an aggressive stance on water safety,” South Haven City Manager Kate Hosier said. “Not only are swimmers and beachgoers at risk when they disregard warning signs, their actions put first responders and rescue teams in harm’s way, too.”
Last summer in the South Haven area, three people drowned and there were 23 rescues of people struggling in Lake Michigan.
South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority regularly pleads with people to stay off piers when waves are washing across them because there is a risk of being swept off the pier and into Lake Michigan.
When the beach is closed, people are prohibited from entering the water. The city manager, police chief, harbormaster and the director of the South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority all have the ability to close or partially close beaches.
There are five different safety risks, which are waves more than 8-feet tall, rescue and recovery efforts, contamination and severe weather event from the National Weather Service, the release said.
When a closure is in place, signs will be posted saying entry in water is prohibited. Signs and barricades will be installed to close piers as well.
Water sports are still allowed when the beach is closed for severe weather or wave height, according to the news release. That includes surfing, kiteboarding, skim boarding, body (boogie) boarding with swim fins and longboarding or any wave riding board.
People who do those sports do so at their own risk, the release said. People need to adhere to safety rules and procedures such as using a safety leash and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.
The city created a website and text alert program will notify people of the current safety flag level at the community’s Lake Michigan beaches. People can sign up using QR codes posted throughout the city
“South Haven is taking a proactive step to ensure we can all enjoy a safe beach season,” Hosier said. “We invite beachgoers to enjoy the natural beauty our city offers while being mindful of safety warnings – and aware of the consequences of their actions.”
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