People planning to bring their children to either the Lake Street or Marquette Park beaches in Gary should know of a new policy being implemented that requires children to be within an arm’s length reach of an adult.
The policy imposed by the Gary Parks Department says all children 12 and under must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old, and that the child must be close enough for the adult to be able to reach out to them in the event of an emergency.
City officials also have created a process that lifeguards will be required to follow with regards to beach-related emergencies.
In a statement, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said the changes in policy are due to the number of emergency situations that occurred last year involving children.
“During the winter months, we convened a committee of park workers and volunteers who worked to improve the city’s beach emergency action plan,” Freeman-Wilson said.
Gary’s beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline officially opened to the public as of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, yet officials admit that the water temperature had yet to get above 50 degrees.
Officials warn that people should consider waiting until later this summer when temperatures are more consistently warm before going in the lake.
There also is the threat of rip currents, waves and undertows and recent thunderstorms with rainfall could cause high E.coli bacteria counts in the water.
Such conditions are monitored by Gary city officials through cooperation with the National Weather Center.
Parks Department officials also want to make sure people remember the “carry-in, carry-out” policies that were implemented last year.
Trash containers have been set up at the entrance and exit points to the beaches and people are advised they are to clean up whatever trash they generate while within the beaches. Trash bags will be made available at the parking booth near the beaches.
“The policy worked well last year,” Parks Superintendent Nathaniel George said. “We saw a cleaner shoreline and less debris in the park and actually received positive feedback from visitors to the park.”
Parking rates also have been increased for this summer for people using the Marquette Park and Lake Street beaches. Lake Street trailer rates will be $10 for Gary residents, $12 for those living in Lake County and $15 for those outside of Lake County. Season-long parking passes will be $60 for Gary residents, $65 for Lake County residents and $75 for those from outside communities.
Pay station parking is $7 per day, with a $1 convenience fee for those who use a mobile pay app.
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