Rescue Stations Installed At Area Beaches

Visitors to 33 area beaches this summer will find new rescue stations thanks to the work of the Northwest Michigan Water Safety Network and a $25,000 grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The network formed in 2013 as a response to 20 drownings and 60 water rescues from 2010 to 2013 in the five-county region. Each station includes a life ring, throw rope and instructional signage. The signs are reversible so they can educate beach visitors about cold water and ice rescue in the winter months.

Phase two of the network's plan involves deploying additional rescue stations as well as signage to increase awareness of rip currents along the Lake Michigan shoreline.