RACINE, Wis. — Kelly Neumann just moved back to Racine from Colorado.

She wanted to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather on Sunday afternoon at one of her favorite places. 

What You Need To Know

  • In 2021, five people drown on Lake Michigan in Racine
  • The city and county are investing $150,000 for new safety features
  • Cameras, drones, remote controlled life saving devices and jet skis are part of the new safety enhancements

“It is a beautiful day out today, and I just absolutely love coming down to North Beach,” Neumann said. “It’s my favorite beach in the area, and we just wanted to bring the kids out and have a great day.”

With a seven-year-old and a four-year-old, safety is always at the top of her mind.

“Always keeping our eyes on these kids,” Neumann said. “So, anything that can help the entire community be safer, I’m absolutely loving it.”

Last year in Racine, there were five drownings on Lake Michigan. The city and county want to try to keep people as safe as possible while on the water, so they’re doing a few things to enhance safety at its beaches. 

To start, new signs with what look like a stoplight are now at North and Zoo beaches. They’re automated, and the light will change from green, to yellow, to red, depending on the water conditions. 

They’ve also added drones that can drop a rescue stick to someone struggling in the water, remote controlled rescue devices, and more. 

It’s about a $150,000 investment. 

Brian Wozniak and his son, Grayson, came up to North Beach Sunday from Hoffman Estates, Ill. 

“it’s not bad, it’s about an hour [drive],” Wozniak said. “An hour and thirty minutes.”

Spectrum News 1 caught up with them while they were playing a game of catch, but the Wozniaks did spend some time in the water. 

“I like that there’s big waves,” said Grayson Wozniak. “Today there wasn’t, and I just like being here.”

The green light at the front of the beach gave them the heads up that the water was calm. 

Wozniak thinks that will help a lot of people, even when the water might appear to be calm to the naked eye.  

“I hope so,” Wozniak said. “I hope when you see a yellow or red light, you keep a closer eye on your family.”

And he hopes the investments in safety will pay off, so fun summer days can continue without any issues.