It doesn't make sense that someone should need a gun while they are swimming. But an East Lansing gun ordinance, forbidding the possession of concealed weapons in such areas as the Hannah and Bailey community centers, the East Lansing Public Library and the Family Aquatic Center, is being repealed after similar local bans in Ferndale were challenged and defeated by the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners.

Last November, the local ordinance was approved in East Lansing by a 4-1 vote.

It was an addition to state concealed weapons laws which prohibit guns in bars, sports arenas, courtrooms and schools.

While there is crime in East Lansing, as well as throughout the state, people should rely on common sense rather than firearms to stay protected in public.

There are only two reasons private citizens need a gun: Home security and hunting. If a person feels uneasy without a gun in public, then it's time to move, not time to strap a holster on your belt.

The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners said it's against municipal gun ordinances in addition to the state laws because gun owners would be confused by where they could or could not carry their firearms.

The rules are not consistent in all areas, the coalition said.

But it is still not clear why gun owners would need to know if they could carry a gun into the public library in the first place.

If they feel their lives are being threatened there, then there are other issues to be dealt with.

East Lansing was not wrong in creating an ordinance that further restricted the amount of public areas where concealed weapons could be carried.

City officials were clearly looking out for the best interest and safety of residents by attempting to keep guns away from these areas. Hopefully, East Lansing and Ferndale officials will pressure the lawmakers to hear their side of the story.