Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey is among those calling for the city of St. Joseph to install life rings at the north pier. She represents St. Joe Township on the county commission and has been a big proponent of the life rings at south pier. Leahey tells WSJM News there was resistance to adding the south pier life rings back in 2014 when it was done. The concern there was also liability, as it is with the city.
“I think we have to take that liability factor and say, ‘Yes, it’s relevant, but what’s more important is saving lives,’” Leahey said.
Leahey tells us the south pier rings saved four people in their first two weeks. She expects increasing visitors to the north pier could make them necessary.
“The situation is you now have a restored lighthouse that everybody wants to come to see,” Leahey said. “Tourism will increase, and there are going to be more people walking on that pier, and you are going to have elderly people and children.”
The city is looking in to the possibility of life rings following a recommendation Monday from the Coast Guard. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has indicated a willingness to help maintain the rings.
