Lifeguards learn to save lives on Lake Michigan with Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
SAWYER, Mich.— As the temperatures rise, tragically so do the number of drowning deaths. So far this year the Great Lakes have already seen 27 drownings, 11 of those in Lake Michigan.
Friday afternoon at Bethany Beach the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project came to train a new generation of lifeguards to help slow that spike, as the beach prepares for opening weekend.
Alane Church has been working with the beach's lifeguards for years, even as a guard herself she warns that while Lake Michigan’s waves can be beautiful, they can also be incredibly dangerous. Which is why she and the rescue project believe lifeguards are a vital part of every beach, despite many beaches across the lake opting for flag systems.
"Lifeguards are the gold standard of water safety…we need to bring lifeguards back to all the beaches in Michigan, pure Michigan spends 30 million dollars a year with billions in return on tourism, we should protect the tourists that come to our beaches,” said Dave Benjamin GLSRP Executive Director.
"Because lake Michigan is a beautiful place to vacation, but it also needs to be respected, because it's a dangerous body of water,” added Church.
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, has plenty of information on how to enjoy the lake while keeping yourself and family safe on their website linked below: