Getting the Word Out

Most agree, however, that public education about Great Lakes water safety is critical. Even the best advisories may go overlooked if people don’t take them seriously.

“Travelers to Michigan beaches would appreciate receiving local rip current information,” says Michigan Sea Grant Extension Agent Chuck Pistis. “Rather than scaring people away, the information indicates to families that a community cares about its visitors. In the long run, public education about water safety does more for tourism than it detracts.”

Rip current brochures and beach signs, designed by Michigan Sea Grant and produced by NOAA National Sea Grant, NOAA National Weather Service and the United States Lifesaving Association, will be distributed this summer to coastal communities on the Great Lakes and oceans.

In Upper Michigan, the Mackinac County Water Safety Review Team has held a media day each year to promote water safety, and public service announcements are broadcast on several northern Michigan NOAA weather radio frequencies throughout the summer.

A new task force in west Michigan will also promote water safety via movie trailers, radio, billboards and video. Formed in 2003, the Great Lakes Beach and Pier Safety Task Force involves 15 agencies, including Michigan Sea Grant. The broad-based safety campaign also includes a Web site where water safety materials and products will be available for community groups to download and adapt.

“Communities can use whatever information they want,” says task force coordinator Vince Deur, “—even if it’s nothing other than putting up a poster at a state park rest room.” Deur notes that people need to use the same caution as they do on the oceans: “A lot of people approach the oceans with more respect than the Great Lakes. Many people don’t understand or believe that the Great Lakes can be so powerful.”