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SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. -- The South Haven City Council has unanimously approved the first phase of a lifeguard program, marking the return of lifeguards to South Beach for the first time in decades. The decision, made on Monday (November 17), sets the stage for lifeguards to be on duty by the summer of 2026. The initial phase will place four lifeguards on South Beach from Monday to Thursday, and six from Friday to Sunday.
The program, developed with input from Double Hull Solutions, outlines a phased approach to implementation. The first phase will focus on South Beach, with plans to expand to North Beach once the program is financially sustainable. The expansion would more than double the number of lifeguards.
The council's approval follows extensive discussions and a feasibility study that addressed funding, staffing, and logistics. The study suggested potential funding sources, such as increasing beach parking fees and seeking sponsorships.
The decision to reinstate lifeguards comes after a series of drowning incidents and ongoing public pressure for improved beach safety. Since the lifeguard program was disbanded in 2001, South Haven has experienced 12 drowning deaths, leading to several wrongful death lawsuits. The program aims to enhance safety measures and provide a structured emergency response system.
City staff will now focus on developing a funding strategy and implementing the program by Memorial Day 2026. The estimated cost for the first phase is $482,000.