The Indiana House unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday that aims to reduce drowning deaths on Lake Michigan.
SB 253, authored by Sen. Rodney Pol (D-Chesterton), would require those who maintain public beaches and piers on the lake to have highly visible, emergency flotation devices available. Local governments would also have to report drownings at public sites at least twice a year.
READ MORE: Bill to require rescue equipment along Lake Michigan aims to prevent drownings
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Six people drowned last year alone along Lake Michigan beaches and other public sites in Indiana.
The bill now goes back to the Senate for consideration.
Rebecca is our energy and environment reporter. Contact her at rthiele@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @beckythiele.