Man Rescued After Being Swept Off South Haven Pier

Emergency crews responded to a report of a person being swept off the closed pier into Lake Michigan.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:14pm

A 57-year-old man from out-of-state was rescued after being swept off the closed Lake Michigan south pier in South Haven, Michigan on Friday evening. The man was pulled to safety by another person and was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of going onto piers that have been closed due to high winds and waves, which can pose a serious risk to public safety. The City of South Haven has taken steps to improve beach safety, including installing life ring stations and AED devices, in an effort to prevent such incidents.

The details

Emergency responders from the South Haven Area Emergency Services and South Haven Police Department were called to the scene at 5:40 p.m. after receiving a report of a person being swept off the closed pier into the water. The pier was closed at the time due to the high wind and wave conditions. A second person with the victim was able to throw him a life ring and pull him to safety before authorities arrived. The man was taken to Bronson-South Haven Hospital for treatment.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 14, 2026 at around 5:40 p.m.

The players

South Haven Area Emergency Services

The local emergency services agency that responded to the incident.

South Haven Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident.

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What’s next

The City of South Haven will likely review its beach safety protocols and enforcement measures to determine if any additional steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding warnings and closures of public areas, especially those near bodies of water, in order to ensure public safety. The City of South Haven's investment in life-saving equipment and education efforts have likely helped prevent more serious outcomes in this case.