Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts updated beach safety plan; city begins dredging and moves sand placement south of South Beach
Summary
Council accepted an updated beach safety plan adding lifeguard coverage and new signage; City Manager Kate Hoer said dredging began and the contractor is expected to remove about 83,000 cubic yards, with reclaimed sand placed south of South Beach.
The South Haven City Council voted to accept an updated beach safety plan that incorporates the city’s new lifeguard program and upgraded signage.
City staff explained the plan to the council and confirmed the program will record lifeguard activity such as beach counts and interventions. Member Hley asked whether lifeguards would capture statistics similar to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) metrics; staff answered that the program will track interventions and other key events. The city’s beach-safety ordinance still authorizes closure of beaches or piers by the police chief, the city manager or their designees.
City Manager Kate Hoer reported that dredging of the nearshore harbor began last week and is expected to continue through July 12. Hoer said the contractor will remove about 83,000 cubic yards of material and that the sand reclamation plan was adjusted so the dredged sand will be placed south of South Beach rather than immediately adjacent to the pier to reduce long-term accumulation near the pier.
Council approved the updated plan by voice vote following discussion.
Why it matters: The update formalizes lifeguard operations and recordkeeping, clarifies closure authority, and outlines near-term dredging and beach sand-placement plans that affect recreation and shoreline maintenance.
What’s next: Staff will implement the lifeguard program, install ordered signage, and proceed with dredging and sand placement as described.
