SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — The South Haven City Council took an important step toward possibly reinstating a lifeguard program at the city’s beaches after a 24-year hiatus. During a meeting on Monday night, council members voted to have city staff prepare an itemized list detailing the costs of implementing a new lifeguard program.
The move follows growing public support for a lifeguard presence along South Haven’s popular Lake Michigan beaches. In recent weeks, local residents have expressed concerns over safety and called for a renewed commitment to protecting beachgoers.
Samantha Kester, one of the vocal supporters, addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of trust and belief in the city’s ability to bring back the program. “The naysayers have said all kinds of improbabilities as to why South Haven can or cannot have a lifeguard program,” Kester said. “I hope each of you can accept this proposal with the newfound understanding that we have faith that we can absolutely do this.”
The proposal for a new lifeguard program comes after a team from the United States Lifeguard Association presented a plan to the council in January. The consultants’ report recommended focusing on North and South beaches, with South Beach seeing the highest traffic. The plan outlined the need for three lifeguard towers at South Beach and two at North Beach, with five lifeguards stationed at each location.
Chris Brewer, a consultant from the United States Lifeguard Association, highlighted the broader role of lifeguards beyond rescues. “Lifeguards aren’t just there to wait on the stand until someone gets into trouble,” Brewer explained. “Their job is to prevent the rescue from even happening in the first place.” In addition to overseeing water safety, lifeguards are also trained to provide medical aid, enforce codes, locate lost individuals, and act as ambassadors for the community.
The consultant’s report also estimated that the annual cost of hiring approximately 15 lifeguards would total $234,000, not including benefits. Additional costs for equipment and uniforms were projected to be $20,000 in the first year, with recurring costs of $10,000 annually. The construction of lifeguard towers was also cited as a potential expense, ranging from $16,000 to $75,000 every 20 years.
In terms of funding, suggestions were made to explore parking revenue as a potential source of financial support. Councilmember Jeff Arnold voiced concerns over the need for transparency in how the program would be funded, asking city staff to clarify how much it would cost and which existing services might face cuts to cover the expenses.
Although an initial vote to implement the lifeguard program immediately ended in a tie, the council unanimously agreed to move forward with gathering a detailed cost breakdown. The decision to request an itemized list of expenses will allow for a more informed discussion when the council reconvenes to make a final decision on the matter.
The city’s beaches attract thousands of visitors each year, making the safety of beachgoers a critical concern. While the push for a lifeguard program has gained momentum, the council is being cautious in ensuring that the city’s budget can accommodate the additional costs without affecting other essential services.
As discussions continue, the future of a new lifeguard program in South Haven will depend on the final financial analysis and public input. Council members have made it clear that they want to ensure that the safety of beachgoers is prioritized while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The next steps in the process will involve staff preparing the cost breakdown, with a final decision expected in the coming months.
