South Haven Adds Lake Michigan Restrictions During Hazardous Weather Conditions

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan town that swells with summer visitors is taking steps to keep people out of Lake Michigan during hazardous conditions.

The city council in South Haven agreed to install gates to close popular piers at certain times. Swimmers also could be fined if they're in the lake, though surfers or kite boarders who embrace big wind and waves would be exempt.

City Manager Kate Hosier said enforcement will start with warnings, not fines.

"This is one more thing that we can do to help educate people as to when it is not an ideal time to be in the water," Hosier said Monday.

A public safety committee made recommendations after three people drowned in 2020.

South Haven is in Michigan's southwestern corner, a two-hour drive from Chicago.

More than 80 people drowned in the Great Lakes in 2021, including 38 in Lake Michigan, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

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