South Haven life jacket station

SOUTH HAVEN, MI -- New public life jacket stations have been set up at beaches in South Haven, aimed at helping increase safety during a summer when several Lake Michigan drownings have occurred.

The new life jacket loaner stations were installed on both the city’s North and South Beaches on Thursday, Aug. 4, and Friday, Aug. 5, according to a statement from City Manager Kate Hosier.

The life jacket loaner stations were donated by Safe Kids Greater South Haven of Bronson South Haven Hospital.

The stations have life jackets of many sizes, from infant to adult. They are free to use while on the beaches, and should be returned for another individual to be used, the city said.

The loaner life jackets are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to educate and provide tools for water safety, Hosier said in a statement posted on her blog.

The new safety features are being added in the wake of drownings in locations along the Lake Michigan shoreline this summer, including two people who drowned after going into the water on July 13 in South Haven.

More recently, on Monday afternoon, Aug. 8, two unresponsive people were pulled from the water at a South Haven beach.

Safe Kids Greater South Haven is led by Bronson South Haven Hospital, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving our common goal: keeping kids safe, according to the organization.

Based on the needs of the community, the coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries, the group’s web site says.

Rescuers in South Haven look for an adult and child who went missing in rough waters at the north beach on Wednesday, July 13. The child was later found in the water and CPR was started (Courtesy: South Haven Area Emergency Services)

‘Our hearts are aching.’ Lake Michigan drownings prompt officials to urge caution

I-94 bridge demolition begins this week in Southwest Michigan

Waves up to 7 feet forecast for some Lake Michigan beaches

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.