“I want to thank everyone: colleagues, residents, supporters alike for such a warm welcome.”
David Figueredo was hired two weeks ago as South Haven’s chief lifeguard.
“Even in a short time, it’s clear that this is a community of genuine, caring people who look out for one another, and I’ve felt that same support as a newcomer.”
Figueredo is the first to fill that role since the city’s lifeguard program was halted 25 years ago. There have been 12 fatal drownings during that time.
“I also deeply respect the passion this community has for water safety. That commitment was a major factor in what drew me to this role, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
Lisa McDonald is a resident who lost her daughter, Emily, and her boyfriend, Kory, to drowning in 2022. She’s been advocating for the reestablishment of the lifeguard program ever since.
“We can’t change what happened on August 8th, 2022, but we can change what happens moving forward. Establishing this new lifeguard program in South Haven for the upcoming Memorial Day is an amazing step in the right direction.”
The program is funded by an increase in beach parking fees from $10 a day to $3 per hour.
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