by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Recent drownings and near-drownings along Lake Michigan have prompted the Sheboygan Police Department to take to social media in spreading their words of caution.
In a release on their Facebook page Thursday, the department recognized that the beach is a wonderful recreation resource, but that it can also be treacherous. They noted the near-drowning on July 16th of a 10-year-old boy at Sheboygan’s King Park, followed less than a month later by the drowning death of a kayaker offshore of Deland Park on August 4th.
The Lakefront Water Safety Task Group was formed within the Sheboygan Board of Marina, Parks and Forestry in August of 2016 after 5 persons were washed off South Pier in two separate incidents on the same day. That group assembled guidelines and water safety tips that were published with the SPD’s Facebook post Thursday and which can be reviewed online.
The good news for the next 5 days is the National Weather Service forecast of low swim risk on Sheboygan County beaches. But conditions can change quickly, so always check before you swim.
