New Buffalo’s City Council has unanimously approved fines for safety violations at public beaches. 

People in the water during potential rip current conditions at a public beach in New Buffalo will be subject to fines, starting at $500.

And, the South Bend Tribune reports that boaters will face the same penalty if heading to Lake Michigan in the city’s public channel during conditions considered too dangerous for their watercraft.

While Indiana law prohibits fines given to those under 18 years old, a parent or guardian will be subject to a $500 fine for each person they are responsible for in the water during the conditions, even if they were not at the beach with them at the time.

Mayor John Humphrey explained that the ordinance is in response to the several calls of distress made at the public beach over the summer.