New Water Rescue Devices Come to Ludington Shores

Lake Michigan is the most dangerous of the Great Lakes. In 2023 alone, 41 of 85 Great Lakes drownings occurred in Lake Michigan.

Several concerned organizations have partnered to make local beaches safer by bringing two high-tech water rescue devices, known as EMILY, to Ludington. This life-saving equipment has been made possible through the generous support of the John and Anita Wilson Fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County, the Friends of Ludington Police, and the Friends of Ludington State Park (FLSP).

The community has worked hard to educate the public about water safety, but the addition of EMILY represents a significant step forward in emergency response capabilities.

EMILY, which stands for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, is a remote-controlled device capable of swiftly reaching individuals in water emergencies and bringing them to safety. One device has been donated to the Ludington Police Department and will be stationed at Stearns Beach, while the other has been donated to FLSP and will be housed at the Ludington State Park.

Local departments, including the Ludington Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Fire Departments, will have access to and receive training on the EMILY devices. “When Anita Wilson approached us about this opportunity, we were so grateful that someone was willing to step up and purchase this device,” said Chief Chris Jones of the Ludington Police Department. “We can train our teams and be ready for a quick response. We want to do what we can to help prevent more unfortunate losses from those enjoying our beaches, whether locals or visitors.”

Anita Wilson was motivated to take action after reading about a community that tragically lost a member to drowning, prompting the victim’s family to purchase an EMILY device for their community. “My kids grew up learning water safety and what to watch for in Lake Michigan. But even now, as adults, they recognize how the beach has changed. There has been an increase in beach hazards and drownings,” said Wilson. “I was all in. I want to help make our beaches safe whether kids or visitors who aren’t as aware of the power of Lake Michigan.”

The Friends of Ludington Police helped acquire the EMILY device for Stearns Beach. “We are proud to have played a part in acquiring this piece of lifesaving equipment”, said Andrea Pehrson McKenzie, President of Friends of Ludington Police.

The second EMILY device, located at the Ludington State Park, will be particularly valuable given the dangerous swimming conditions that have emerged at the Park’s outlet in recent years.

“FLSP is very pleased to accept the EMILY device on behalf of the Ludington State Park (LSP). Every year, over 900,000 individuals visit the LSP. This device will give the LSP staff and first responders another option when responding to water emergencies,” said FLSP President Patrick O’Hare. “If this device helps in the rescue of just one person, it will have been worth it. We are thankful to the Wilsons for their willingness to fund the purchase of these devices and their commitment to improving the lives of people in our community.”

The arrival of these EMILY devices marks a significant advancement in water safety for the Ludington community. They were officially accepted on Thursday, August 29, at a special ceremony during the Sunset Bonfire on Stearns Beach. The City of Ludington Police demonstrated their EMILY device, and the LSP device was available for viewing on shore.

Photo Credit: Steve Begnoche