(Michigan City, IN) - There will be no lifeguards at the beach in Michigan City during Memorial Day weekend. Mayor Duane Parry says he made the decision as part of the effort to eliminate a $3.6 million budget deficit he inherited from the previous administration and in response to potential revenue losses from COVID-19.

His decision brought considerable opposition from members of the city council like Don Pryzbylinski who feels the city could open itself up to liability in the event of a drowning.

Swim at your own risk signs are now up at the beach.

Parry said police officers already patrolling the beach can help fill the void and so can the nearby U.S Guard station and Indiana Department of Natural Resources office. Parry said he has not decided yet whether to return lifeguards to the beach for the remainder of the summer.

He says it costs well over $100,000 to supply lifeguards throughout the season.