SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — Michiganders and out-of-state visitors travel to South Haven to catch some rays, enjoy the water, and sight see downtown.
Even though the water is still a bit chilly at the beaches, some folks in South Haven may still ignore the safety rules put in place.
The South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority, or SHAES, installed colored flags to let beachgoers know how safe the water conditions are.
There has been a lot of discussion regarding the flag quantity but also the colors,” South Haven Sgt. Kyle Griffth said.
Conversation of the quantity of flags is due to beachgoers not noticing them.
“This year is the first year we’ll have a beach patrol program, with several employees. They’ll be equip with dual passenger ATVs. They don’t wear a police uniform but they’ll be wearing shirts so they’re identifiable and they’re in place for primarily safety and prevention. They can write tickets but are mainly there for prevention,” Sgt. Griffith said.
Crossing a pier barrier is another safety violation to look out for.
“Pier barriers are up year-round and there is a temporary placement of concrete barriers with chains and signs attached that say ‘do not enter’,” according to Sgt. Griffith.
“People can also get fined for violating that rule as well,” according to Sgt. Griffith.
Last year, more than 30 beach violation tickets of $1,000 were issued, and they were either paid or the violator stood up in court and challenged it, according to Sgt. Griffith.
“People who challenged the ordinance found later that it is a good idea to have that in place,” Sgt. Griffith Said.
SHAES reminds beachgoers that any violators need to pay their fine.
In addition to some of the safety rules, there are about 30 installments of life jacket loaner stations throughout the city and the beaches.
The stations have been put in place to promote water safety throughout the community.
Sgt. Griffith also encourages regular beachgoers and visitors to use the text messaging system, where a person can get beach updates directly to their phone.
Text the word BEACHES to 888777, to receive regular updates throughout the summer.
In an update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Friday, Lake Michigan’s water temperature is just about 60 degrees near South Haven.
According to resources from the National Weather Service, cold water drains body heat four times faster than cold air.
Water temperatures in the 50s or below are cold enough to induce something referred to as “cold shock”, especially if you quickly enter the water by jumping or falling in.