The proposal would effectively make it illegal to swim in the Great Lakes when red flags are posted---indicating strong winds or large waves—conditions that have contributed to some of the 34 fatalities this year—17 of which are in Lake Michigan.
The idea comes from the DNR, after the department has actively been trying to find ways to curb drownings in the Great Lakes—like adding depth markers where the water gets deep, and installing PA systems at Grand Haven and Holland State parks, where warnings of dangerous conditions can be announced over the loud speakers.
The proposal however, isn’t getting total support for some. David Benjamin is the Executive Director of Public Relations and Project Management for the Great Lakes Surf Project, an organization that has been tracking drownings for over 20 years.
“Really, there should be lifeguards on the beaches.”
So far, however, lifeguards are not part of the proposal, and the state hasn’t had them since the early 1990’s.
Meanwhile, the public comment period for this amendment will begin on Thursday, July 15, and it will be eligible for approval on August 12.