Bill aims to bring water safety program to schools
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Beaches in West Michigan are expected to be packed this holiday weekend as the weather begins to warm up. That’s putting the heat on lawmakers in Lansing to work on a new bill that would introduce kids to water safety.
Senate Bill No. 736 was introduced in the Michigan Senate in February. It is a push to add a new program to schools all about water safety.
The model program would include topics on flotation devices, awareness of water conditions, the importance of swim lessons and more.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education. If it is passed by the Senate, it would then head to the House.
DNR hopes to reduce drownings with double red flags
This legislation is part of a push by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, an organization that provides education and data about the Great Lakes, with the goal of saving lives.
The project reports that there have been 14 Great Lakes drownings in 2024, five of which happened in Lake Michigan. With summer around the corner, leaders at the project said they expect those numbers to rise, but with proper education, they added it could help keep people safe in the water.
“What we do believe is that a water safety school curriculum would be the fastest approach to reach the largest audience in the shortest amount of time, that would have the maximum impact,” Dave Benjamin, the executive director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, said. “This should be fast-tracked, it should be done tomorrow. Get it, get it done, so it can be in school next fall or next spring at the latest.”
As you head out to the lake this summer, there are some things you should keep in mind.
First, always pay attention to the flag warnings on the beach. Double red flags mean you are not allowed to enter the water and swimmers can be fined up to $500 for entering the water. Single red flags mean extremely dangerous conditions, yellow means use caution and green means calm conditions.
Lake Effect: What changes scientists are seeing on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has very strong currents, so if you happen to get stuck in a current, try not to panic. Flip over on your back and float, then swim parallel to the shore until you feel yourself leave the current. Only then should you try to swim back to shore.
Many beaches on the lakeshore have piers, but you should never jump off of them. There are typically very strong underwater currents near them.
State parks in Michigan do not have lifeguards and many cities along the lakeshore do not have lifeguards either. Benjamin said he is working to encourage cities to set up lifeguard programs on the lake, but in the meantime, if you see someone in trouble in the water, unless you have training, do not go into the water to help. Instead, call for help and throw them a lifesaving device.
“It’s very dangerous to try and rescue someone, so what we advocate is if you don’t have lifeguard training, lifeguard equipment and the current physical fitness of a lifeguard, you should not be entering the water to make a rescue,” Benjamin said.
‘They just need to start’: South Haven council considers lifeguard program
You can check to see current conditions near you here. You can also check out our Lake Michigan Summer Beach Guide here.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
