MARQUETTE, MI-- The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has given first responders in Marquette more than $20,000 worth of equipment and training to enhance water rescue capabilities.
The Great Lakes Unmanned Systems Center, a subsidiary of the KBIC’s economic development corporation Aanikoosing Incorporated, has provided two Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyards (E.M.I.L.Y.) Emergency Rescue Systems. They’ve gone to the Marquette City Fire Department and DNR officials who manage Little Presque Isle State Park. The Tribe says the gift is in response to the tragedy that claimed two lives at Little Presque over the summer.
The E.M.I.L.Y. ERS is a four-foot-long remote controlled buoy that can plow through rip currents and heavy waves to reach distressed swimmers. It can cruise at speeds up to 22 miles per hour.
KBIC President Chris Swartz says the Tribe hopes to provide an E.M.I.L.Y. ERS to all seven Great Lakes States and Canada.
