ABOUT US
South Haven Ambassadors Program & Education Incorporated or S.H.A.P.E. for short, started after the drowning of an Ohio man-Anthony Diehl and his 7-year-old nephew Elijah Britt in the summer of 2022 off of North Beach and Emily MacDonald and her boyfriend Kory Ernster off of South Beach in South Haven, MI.
Our mission with S.H.A.P.E. is to promote the safety and well-being of beachgoers in South Haven, Michigan, and beyond by focusing on educating beachgoers about staying safe in the water and on the beach through beachside education, community outreach, advocacy, and training programs about the dangers of Lake Michigan.
Our goals are to reduce the number of drowning incidents in South Haven and surrounding areas. To raise awareness about the dangers of Lake Michigan, especially rip currents, and how to stay safe in the water by knowing when Not to enter the water and when to get out of it. To educate beachgoers and local communities by providing resources and educational materials about the dangers of Lake Michigan. To expand our program state-wide in Michigan and eventually to other Great Lakes states. And lastly to build a water training facility to host rip current simulations with educational programs on water safety provided to our community and surrounding communities.
According to data from the US Lifesaving Association, the Great Lakes region is known for having the highest number of drowning incidents in the country, with Lake Michigan leading the way. In South Haven alone, we have seen a significant increase in drowning incidents in recent years. Not all drownings were on red flag days: in 2022, four people drowned when the flags were yellow. This highlights the urgency of our mission and the importance of educating beachgoers about water safety.
An ambassador program has been proven to be an effective tool in reducing drowning incidents as proven by the Bradford Beach Ambassadors Program. Our trained ambassadors have a visible presence on the beach to provide a 1 on 1 opportunity to educate beachgoers about safe practices in the water and on the beach by making sure they are aware of the flag warning system, educating on the dangers of rip currents, identifying potential hazards, calling 911 for emergencies, and aiding with life-saving devices when they are available.
Rip currents are a major contributor to drowning incidents in South Haven and around the Great Lakes. Our program emphasizes the importance of understanding rip currents and how to stay safe in the water. Through education and awareness campaigns, we aim to reduce the number of rip current-related incidents and ultimately save lives by beachgoers avoiding such dangers through awareness. If they avoid such dangers, there is no need for rescue and no need for anyone else to get harmed in trying to rescue the victim before emergency personnel arrive.
Our goal is to expand our program statewide in Michigan and eventually to other Great Lakes states. By collaborating with local organizations and communities, we aim to provide training and resources to beachgoers and local communities, ultimately reducing the number of drowning incidents across the state. Our ultimate goal is to change the label of South Haven being the deadliest Great Lakes shores to the safest. Through education, awareness, collaborative community outreach, and physical beach patrols, we believe that we can reduce the number of drowning incidents and create safer, more informed beachgoing communities.
In conclusion, S.H.A.P.E. is committed to promoting beach and water safety, particularly focusing on rip currents education. By working together within our community we can create a safer environment for beachgoers and ultimately save LIVES.
