The likelihood of a state measure aimed at safeguarding swimmers in Lake Michigan grew brighter last week as the House Natural Resources Committee approved Senate Bill 253, known as the Lake Michigan Rescue Act.
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, will be heard on the House floor Monday when it could be amended.
The bill mandates cities and towns along Lake Michigan to install life rings, safety ropes, and other rescue aids by July 1. Some cities, like Gary, already have the rescue equipment, provided by a Miller-based water safety organization.
Supporters say the equipment could save lives and assist in rescuing swimmers caught in rip tides or other water emergencies. Illinois has already passed a similar law.
The estimated cost to install the safety equipment at about 104 access sites is about $100,000. Pol said that amount is much lower than rescue searches for missing swimmers.
Pol’s bill passed the Senate last year, but never received a hearing in the House. This time, the committee heard testimony and approved it by a 7-1 margin, with changes.
One change said that lake-adjacent private homeowners would not be required to install the rescue equipment and a second change said the equipment wouldn’t be needed in areas where swimming is prohibited, or a lifeguard is on duty.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.