SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Boating season in South Haven may end up being delayed amid concerns of high water levels on Lake Michigan.
Officials in South Haven say that if lake levels pan out as projected, the marinas could be underwater for an indefinite amount of time.
As a result, city officials have adapted a new high water policy. If the lake levels submerge the marinas, officials will delay the boating season, which usually starts in April.
The risks of having such high levels include dangers like electric shock drowning and getting swept off of piers.
According to a letter released by city officials, the new high water policy is as follows:
- As the season opening date of April 15, 2020 approaches, staff and Harbor Commission will monitor water levels. If the water level is at or near the surface of the decking, the marina opening may be delayed one month. The Harbormaster and Harbor Commission will reevaluate the water levels every month to determine if and when the marinas can be opened.
- At the end of the 2020 boating season, seasonal boaters will receive a refund for periods where the marina was closed on a pro-rata basis.
- Seasonal boaters may request a refund for the 2020 slip fee due to the uncertainty of the season giving up their slip the for the season.
- If seasonal boaters elect to keep their deposit at the marina, the deposit will hold their slip for the 2021 season.
- If seasonal boaters elect to have their deposit refunded (as one-time event), they lose their slip which is then offered to wait list applicants.
Lake Michigan, along with the other Great Lakes, saw record-high levels through 2019, which caused a number of drowning-related deaths.
Meanwhile, erosion along the shoreline of Lake Michigan continues to be an issue.
