HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Three drownings this year near South Haven led to a partnernership between South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and Safe Kids Greater South Haven participants Bronson South Haven Hospital and The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium to create a custom-made beach safety place mat.
The idea is to get local businesses, particularly restaurants, and owners of short-term rentals to use it to educate their patrons.
“Drownings in the Great Lakes, including in the South Haven area, are a grave concern,” said SHAES Chief Brandon Hinz, in a statement emailed to media. “As we examined ways to prevent future tragedies it became apparent that there is a lack of awareness by the public, especially guests in the community, to the inherent dangers posed by the lake.”
South Haven resident and illustrator Jessica Byers created a colorful array of graphics highlighting topics such as beach flag warnings, tips on escaping rip currents, advice about walking on the pier, when to use life jackets, and even digging in the sand. The back of the placemat features water-safety related kids activities.
Former SHAES Chief Ron Wise initiated the project.
“Making sure our children are safe is the top priority of the Safe Kids Coalition in Greater South Haven,” said Dr. Matthew Dommer, vice president for medical affairs at Bronson Lakeview and South Haven Hospitals. “Because of our commitment to help families and communities prevent childhood injuries this is the perfect public education project for South Haven.”
Copies are available at the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 546 Phoenix St., and South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, 606 Phillips St.
