RACINE, Wis. — After five people drowned in Racine in 2021, city leaders are hoping new tools will help save more lives in unprotected swim areas of Lake Michigan in Racine County.
The project is being funded by $150,000 of ARPA dollars. This has bought the county jet skis, remote-control floatation devices, and drone technology. It also funds more lifeguards on staff to patrol the waters.
“Last year we came together to deploy a number of resources, but as importantly, made sure that we had the human capacity to keep people safe,” Mayor of Racine, Cory Mason said.
While city officials said they saw a decrease in the number of drownings in 2022 and they hope this new technology can help save more lives in the future.
These new tools will be in the hands of lifeguards and first responders on the beach.
Lake Michigan can be fun, but it is also quite dangerous. In the past five years, nine people have drowned in Racine alone.
“There is not really any end to what this lake can do,” Racine Lifeguard program manager, Phillip Kiley said.
Kiley knows firsthand how dangerous the lake can be. He’s been with the Racine lifeguard program for 18 years.
“Any time there is a loss of life, even if it is after our working hours, we feel it personally,” Kiley said.
He said he is looking forward to having more resources at his disposal to keep the beach safe. Him and his team will be able to get to victims faster than before.
As a lifeguard, he will be able to use the “Emily” device. It’s a remote-control flotation device that moves at much faster speeds than a lifeguard could.
Racine County Sheriff Lt. Michael Luell said these new tools will decrease response times, which means more lives saved on the water.
“We need to be able to deploy tools really quickly.” Lt. Luell said. “That’s why the Emily is such an important piece of equipment. It can be run out to the water, you grab the remote, and you can see the victim was reached within less than a minute.”
First responders said time is precious when it comes to saving someone who is drowning. It’s the job of these men and women to save lives and help keep people safe while enjoying all that Lake Michigan has to offer.
“It’s about being able to help my community and being able to help someone when they are in dire need,” Kiley said.
Officials said this technology will be a game changer in this area of Lake Michigan.