To the Journal editor:

As summer draws near, shoreline communities prepare to welcome visitors from around the world to enjoy the beautiful body of water that their community is nestled on. In Marquette, Lake Superior is our crown jewel; it’s important that residents and visitors alike are equipped to enjoy the water safely.

The importance of beach safety in communities like Marquette cannot be overstated, especially given that May is Water Safety Month. As the founder of SwimSmart (a local company providing technology-based solutions for waterfront safety), and a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador for NOAA’s National Weather Service, I’ve learned about the various risks of swimming in the Great Lakes.

I’ve met with families who’ve lost a loved one to drowning. I’ve seen how a drowning tragedy can rock a community.

And as a resident of a shoreline city, it’s important to me that I, and my fellow community members, can feel informed and in charge of our own safety while enjoying Marquette’s beaches we all cherish.

We are fortunate to live in a place where our local government also prioritizes the community’s safety. Last year, the City of Marquette made a substantial investment in keeping our beaches safe.

The city’s investments include ensuring adequate lifeguard coverage across our community – which is imperative because lifeguards are our first line of defense. I’m also extremely grateful for the city’s investment in the new SwimSmart safety towers.

This unique system provides beachgoers with up-to-date warnings that can connect directly to the National Weather Service forecasts. It’s also equipped with flotation cabinets and emergency phones that alert first responders to emergencies.

These towers, which will be installed throughout 2024, will allow lifeguards to focus on swimmers instead of managing warning flags when conditions change – giving families peace of mind. It will also be a beacon of hope when tragedy attempts to strike again, allowing us to realize our mission of preventing the next drowning from happening.

As residents, we understand Lake Superior isn’t just any lake, but our Lake. However, locals aren’t the only ones visiting Marquette’s pristine beaches. As we continue to welcome an increasing number of visitors, these safety improvements communicate to everyone the importance of remaining informed on swim conditions.

I want to commend the city of Marquette and the City Commission for their investment in the community. It demonstrates they are playing a leading role in ensuring residents and visitors alike can safely enjoy the beautiful natural resources that the Upper Peninsula offers.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jacob Soter is the co-founder and inventor of SwimSmart, a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador for the National Weather Service, and a leading waterfront safety expert.