Harrison Mayor Ken Becotte says the village may be looking at ways to improve safety at the lagoon on Harrison Lake.

As the family of a missing 19-year-old man gathered on the banks of the lagoon while the search for his body continued Wednesday, it’s difficult to argue with that suggestion.

Certainly George Angus won’t. Angus says he’s personally seen three people drown in the lagoon during his years at the beach, and believes safety improvements are long overdue.

His point is well taken.

The lagoon was specifically built to provide a sheltered, more inviting place for swimming and recreation at Harrison Lake. It is a place where families can enjoy a day at the beach, without braving the cold and sometimes choppier waters of the lake itself.

But its innocent appearance can’t be taken for granted.

True, every body of water deserves respect. The difference with the Harrison lagoon is that it is man made; it exists to attract people to the beach and tempt swimmers into the water.

It is therefore incumbent upon the village to ensure the amenity is as safe as it possibly can be.

The steps necessary to achieve that are not clear. Angus would like to see the lagoon’s undulating floor leveled, its tangled weeds removed, and steps taken to ensure they are discouraged from growing back.

Others wonder if lifeguards and life saving-devices should be made readily available.

Any step will carry a cost, and recovering those costs should be part of the discussion.

True, nothing will remove all the danger. But surely more can be done than posting signs that tell people they are swimming at their own risk.

The lagoon was built so families would be attracted to Harrison for a fun day at the beach and enjoy the beachside services.

Unfortunately, each swimming death erodes that reputation.