By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission approved a new system for waterfront safety during the commission’s Monday evening meeting.

The commission approved the $95,240 purchase of four SwimSmart towers in response to staffing shortages which have left three of the four city of Marquette beaches without lifeguards over the past three summers.

The towers, created by SwimSmart Technology, LLC, aim to provide real time warnings and allow access for instant contact with emergency medical dispatch as well as access to needed equipment. The towers use a “stop light” system, similar to traffic lights, to provide instant information on water safety and warn beachgoers about dangerous conditions.

“I was really excited when I heard we were going to preserve this avenue,” said Marquette Mayor Cody Mayer. “This is kind of one of those foundational things that we as a commission, as a city, really need to look at..Hopefully we will help save some lives.”

The Marquette-based SwimSmart was co-founded by Michigan Tech alum Jacob Soter before moving the company’s base of operations to the Innovate Marquette SmartZone.

“I think this is the best way the city can go to address the shortage we’ve had in lifeguards,” said Commissioner Frederick Stonehouse during his final commission meeting. “I’m very enthusiastic about supporting this. I think that this is a great step forward. I think indicative too of the way the city of Marquette always finds a way to go forward.”

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.