CHARLEVOIX, MI -- Charlevoix city leaders are proposing stiffer penalties for people caught swimming where it is illegal.
The problem area is the Pine River Channel, which connects Lake Michigan to Lake Charlevoix.
Because of a recent close call with a swimmer in the channel and the Beaver Island ferry, a commissioner has proposed increased fines.
The proposal is upping the fine for the first offense from $50 to $250, $75 to $500 for a second, and $100 to $1,000 for a third.
The city attorney is also looking into whether or not the offense can be classified as a misdemeanor.
