New Grand Haven beach towers aim to speed emergency response

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to stay safe on the water as we approach the July 4 holiday.

Eight emergency towers in Grand Haven State Park activated earlier this year will provide a new tool to alert first responders and inform swimmers of conditions. The orange towers have a life ring inside a cabinet and the system will notify first responders if the door is opened.

“When the life ring cabinet is accessed, it will automatically notify any of our buildings that are staffed with state park personnel, as well as send a phone call and a text message alert to the local 911 center to activate emergency responders,” park supervisor Andrew Lundborg said.

Lundborg said the towers are a great resource to have heading into the holiday. While they have not yet been for a rescue, the goal is to help improve response times when seconds can make a difference.

“Time is of the essence in an emergency and oftentimes, when the beach is very full, cell service here can be very poor,” Lundborg said.

The towers are equipped with lights at the top indicating water warnings.

“The color represents those flag colors so green is low hazard, yellow is medium hazard, and red is a high risk, and two red lights is the water access is closed,” Lundborg explained.

Sarah Raines, who visiting from Kentucky on Friday, thought the towers are a good idea.

“I think it’s really important because there’s a lot of families here. There’s a lot of young kids here and you think you’re watching your kids, but kids will do what they want to do. They’ll go off in their own direction,” Raines said. “If you see somebody in trouble, you can always run and go to the orange towers for the help that you need.”

The park supervisor reminded visitors to take precautions so they can enjoy their time at the beach.

“Stay close, never swim alone, have those weaker swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket,” he said. “But most importantly is watch those changing water conditions.”

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