MARQUETTE, MI— The City of Marquette is buying another waterfront safety warning tower.
At a meeting Monday night, the Marquette City Commission unanimously approved the purchase of an additional SwimSmart tower for the Fire Department.
City Manager Karen Kovacs said the systems are like automatic beacons that warn of rough water conditions.
“Where you can see them a little bit probably further than what are current flags are, which actually rely on people to go and change those flags. And this would be completely automated in the sense that it ties into our weather systems, can follow up on warnings that are out there, and be able to change in real time. This also has the opportunity for a call button that will link directly into Central Dispatch.”
The tower will cost $35,560. It will be installed before this summer’s beach season.
Officials say the purchase will ensure all the city’s Lake Superior beaches are covered.
