SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities shut down South Haven’s South Beach Friday after several water rescues, including two within an hour.
South Haven Area Emergency Services Fire Chief Ron Wise rescued an 18-year-old man who got caught in a riptide along the pier. A second swimmer struggling in the water was pulled to shore by a Good Samaritan.
“He was on his back flailing, yelling, crying for help saying he was ready to give up,” Wise said as he detailed the rescue. “He was basically taking his last breaths when we got to him. We were able to rescue him with the help of police and fire out there.”
SHAES responders stretched a rescue rope line along the pier to search for another possible victim but determined there wasn’t one. South Haven police say several people were rescued from rip currents before they closed the beach.
“I could almost see the frustration in my rescuers today,” Wise said. “They’re tired of seeing people get into this kind of distress.”
Wise says many visitors don’t understand or take a second look at the flag warnings before getting into the water.
The city resorted to adding barricades, keep out signs and caution tape near the beach pier to ensure people would not swim where the water was most dangerous.
They say not only are swimmers risking their lives, but emergency crews are also mentally exhausted
Wise says they’re considering keeping the barricades up through Saturday. They are also warning swimmers who disregard red flags: if they have to be rescued, they will be fined $500.
“It’s simple: red flag, don’t go in. It’s like putting your seat belt on when you’re driving, not drinking and driving or wearing a helmet when you’re on a motorcycle,” he added.
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