MARQUETTE, MI-- An aquatic rescue device donated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to the Marquette Fire Department is now available for use.
The Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, or E.M.I.L.Y., is a four-foot-long remote controlled buoy that can plow through rip currents and heavy waves to reach distressed swimmers. One has been placed at Middle Bay Beach at Presque Isle Park—an area that doesn’t have a lifeguard.
If someone sees a swimmer in distress they will call 911. Central Dispatch will give the caller a code that will unlock the E.M.I.L.Y., then walk the rescuer through the deployment of the device. The caller will guide the E.M.I.L.Y. to the swimmer, who will hold on until emergency personnel arrive.
Another E.M.I.L.Y. device is posted at Little Presque Isle.
