The City of South Haven launched an online survey asking residents about beach safety.
Scott Reinert, executive director with the Visitors Bureau, said city officials are hoping residents will state their concerns about what the safety needs are like lifeguards. Over the summer a petition to reinstate lifeguards circulated for a few weeks after a child drowned at Lake Michigan.
“The city at one point years ago did have lifeguards like many other communities and those were taken away for a number of different reasons: liability concerns, costs and so forth,” Reinert said. “I think the city is undertaking an appropriate debate now to figure out if it makes sense.”
Reinert said lifeguards do not prevent all accidents from happening. However it’s something they’re willing to consider once the survey is completed.
“I think the city team is doing a great job reaching out and trying to get public input to see what the right solution is moving forward,” he said. “I know all of us are committed to safety and you know the beaches and Lake Michigan is an important part of our legacy and heritage here in South Haven.”
***If you would like to take the survey, click here. ***
