The South Haven City Council has approved new beach parking fees for the summer to help pay for the new lifeguard program.

After much study, City Manager Kate Hosier told council on Monday they’re switching the model followed.

“Going from a $10 a day daily rate to $3 per hour per car,” Hosier said.

Hosier said weekly passes will go from $30 to $50, and there will be no changes to the hours that the parking rules are enforced, a slight change from the previous proposal.

Council member Tom Capps said this isn’t an increase to parking fees at the beach. He said it will just get more cars moving while ensuring they pay an appropriate amount for the amount of time they’re at the beach.

“If I want to go have lunch at the beach, it’s gonna cost me three bucks, not 10,” Capps said. “And if I want to spend three hours there, it’s gonna cost me nine, not 10. Now, if I want to stay for eight hours, I’m gonna pay more money. And you should.”

Hosier said the three-year multi-passes offered by the city for $80 won’t change this year because the city is in the third year of that cycle. The council Monday also approved new fees for parking violations. They will go from $20 to $45, and then to $75 if not paid within seven days.

Council approved the new parking fees and rules unanimously. The fees are expected to generate $800,000 per year for the lifeguard program.