SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A sure sign that summer is around the corner is the sight of beach flags along South Haven’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The South Haven Area Emergency Services installing flags at 14 locations on Monday, May 15 at both North and South Beach.
And new this year, city employees with the authority to give out tickets up to $1,000 for ordinance violations. Those employees officials say, monitor weather conditions and update colored flags on the beach that warn swimmers about conditions, including one red flag that bans them from entering the water.
Depending on weather conditions, the following flags can be seen at local beaches:
Green
- Calm water
- Good swimming conditions
- ALWAYS use caution when entering water
Yellow
- Use extreme caution when swimming
- Potentially high surf
- Always use caution when entering water
Red
- Dangerous surf
- Strong currents
- Stay out of the water – $1,000 fine
- Stay off piers – $1,000 fine if closed
In the event of an emergency, beach-goers are asked to note the number on top of their nearest flag in order to provide accurate information when calling 911, officials said.
More information about beach safety, and beach flag status reports can be found by texting 888777 BEACHES.
